13 How were you less important than the other churches? The only difference was that I didn't cause you any expense. Forgive me for that wrong!
14 Now I am ready to visit you for the third time. I won't cause you any expense. I don't want what you have. What I really want is you. After all, children shouldn't have to save up for their parents. Parents should save up for their children.
15 So I will be very happy to spend everything I have for you. I will even spend myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?
16 In any case, I haven't caused you any expense. But I'm such a tricky fellow! I have caught you by tricking you!
17 Did I take advantage of you through any of the men I sent to you?
18 I asked Titus to go to you. And I sent our brother with him. Titus didn't take advantage of you, did he? Didn't I act in the same spirit? Didn't I follow the same path?
19 All this time, have you been thinking that I've been speaking up for myself? No, I've been speaking with God as my witness. I've been speaking like a believer in Christ. Dear friends, everything I do is to help you become stronger.