13. How were you treated worse than the other churches, except that I didn’t bother you for help? Forgive me for this wrong!
14. I’m ready to visit you for a third time, and I won’t bother you for help. I don’t want your possessions. Instead, I want you. Children shouldn’t have to provide for their parents, but parents should provide for their children.
15. I will be very glad to spend whatever I have. I’ll even give myself for you. Do you love me less because I love you so much?
16. You agree, then, that I haven’t been a burden to you. Was I a clever person who trapped you by some trick?
17. Did I take advantage of you through any of the men I sent you?
18. I encouraged Titus to visit you, and I sent my friend with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Didn’t we have the same motives and do things the same way?