2 Corinthians 13:10
Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction. Therefore I write these things being absent, lest being present I should use sharpness, according to the power which the Lord hath given me to edification, and not to destruction.
Paul wrote these things while absent so that he would not need to use severity or sharpness when present. His absence gave room for warning on paper rather than stern dealing face to face. The authority the Lord gives for correction is given to build people up and not to destroy them.
That building purpose defines how the power is to be used, for edification rather than for tearing down. Its aim is the believers' perfection and strength. It seeks their spiritual growth into Christian perfection. To that end the verse calls readers to examine themselves in the faith as they pursue that perfection.