9. But he said to me, "My grace is all you need. My power is strongest when you are weak." So I am very happy to brag about how weak I am. Then Christ's power can rest on me.
10. Because of how I suffered for Christ, I'm glad that I am weak. I am glad in hard times. I am glad when people say mean things about me. I am glad when things are difficult. And I am glad when people make me suffer. When I am weak, I am strong.
11. I have made a fool of myself. But you made me do it. You should have praised me. Even though I am nothing, I am in no way less important than the "super-apostles."
12. You can recognize apostles by the signs, wonders and miracles they do. Those things were faithfully done among you no matter what happened.
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.