7. But I must not become too proud of the wonderful things that were shown to me. So a painful problem was given to me. This problem is a messenger from Satan. It is sent to beat me and keep me from being too proud.
8. I begged the Lord three times to take this problem away from me.
9. But the Lord said to me, “My grace is enough for you. When you are weak, then my power is made perfect in you.” So I am very happy to brag about my weaknesses. Then Christ’s power can live in me.
10. So I am happy when I have weaknesses, insults, hard times, sufferings, and all kinds of troubles. All these things are for Christ. And I am happy, because when I am weak, then I am truly strong.
11. I have been talking like a fool. But you made me do it. You are the ones who should say good things about me. I am worth nothing, but those “great apostles” are not worth any more than I am!
12. When I was with you, I did what proves that I am an apostle—signs, wonders, and miracles. And I did these things with much patience.
13. So you received everything that the other churches have received. Only one thing was different: I was not a burden to you. Forgive me for this!
14. I am now ready to visit you the third time. And I will not be a burden to you. I want nothing from you, I only want you. Children should not have to save up to give to their parents. Parents should save to give to their children.
15. So I am happy to give everything I have for you. I will even give myself for you. If I love you more, will you love me less?
16. It is clear that I was not a burden to you. But you think that I was tricky and used lies to catch you.
17. Did I cheat you by using any of the men I sent to you? No, you know I did not.