7. Of course, I am now referring to the wonderful things I saw. One of Satan's angels was sent to make me suffer terribly, so that I would not feel too proud.
8. Three times I begged the Lord to make this suffering go away.
9. But he replied, “My kindness is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak.” So if Christ keeps giving me his power, I will gladly boast about how weak I am.
10. Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or ill-treated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.
11. I have been making a fool of myself. But you forced me to do it, when you should have been speaking up for me. I may be nothing at all, but I am as good as those super apostles.
12. When I was with you, I was patient and worked all the powerful miracles and signs and wonders of a true apostle.
13. You missed out on only one blessing that the other churches received. That is, you didn't have to support me. Forgive me for doing you wrong.
14. I am planning to visit you for the third time. But I still won't make a burden of myself. What I really want is you, and not what you have. Children are not supposed to save up for their parents, but parents are supposed to take care of their children.
15. So I will gladly give all that I have and all that I am. Will you love me less for loving you too much?