1st Corinthians 4:21

15 For though you have ten thousand tutors in Christ, yet not many fathers. For in Christ Jesus, I became your father through the gospel.

16 I beg you therefore, be imitators of me.

17 Because of this I have sent Timothy to you, who is my beloved and faithful child in the Lord, who will remind you of my ways which are in Christ, even as I teach everywhere in every assembly.

18 Now some are puffed up, as though I were not coming to you.

19 But I will come to you shortly, if the Lord is willing. And I will know, not the word of those who are puffed up, but the power.

20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.

21 What do you want? Will I come to you with a rod, or in love and a spirit of gentleness?