14. This is now the third time that I am ready to come to visit you — and I will not make any demands on you. It is you I want, not your money. After all, children should not have to provide for their parents, but parents should provide for their children.
15. I will be glad to spend all I have, and myself as well, in order to help you. Will you love me less because I love you so much?
16. You will agree, then, that I was not a burden to you. But someone will say that I was crafty, and trapped you with lies.
17. How? Did I take advantage of you through any of the messengers I sent?
18. I begged Titus to go, and I sent the other Christian brother with him. Would you say that Titus took advantage of you? Do he and I not act from the very same motives and behave in the same way?
19. Perhaps you think that all along we have been trying to defend ourselves before you. No! We speak as Christ would wish us to speak in the presence of God, and everything we do, dear friends, is done to help you.