Study Desk

They even asked and begged us to let them have the joy of giving their money for God's people.

I am not trying to make life easier for others by making life harder for you. But it is only fair

for you to share with them when you have so much, and they have so little. Later, when they have more than enough, and you are in need, they can share with you. Then everyone will have a fair share,

When we begged Titus to visit you, he said he would. He wanted to because he cared so much for you.

With Titus we are also sending one of the Lord's followers who is well known in every church for spreading the good news.

I don't need to write you about the money you plan to give for God's people.

I know how eager you are to give. And I have proudly told the Lord's followers in Macedonia that you people in Achaia have been ready for a whole year. Now your desire to give has made them want to give.

Some followers from Macedonia may come with me, and I want them to find that you have the money ready. If you don't, I would be embarrassed for trusting you to do this. But you would be embarrassed even more.

God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others.

Now they are praying for you and want to see you, because God used you to bless them so very much.

Thank God for his gift that is too wonderful for words!

Then we will be able to preach the good news in other lands where we cannot take credit for work someone else has already done.

I am as concerned about you as God is. You were like a virgin bride I had chosen only for Christ.

Was it wrong for me to lower myself and honor you by preaching God's message free of charge?

So why does it seem strange for Satan's servants to pretend to do what is right? Someday they will get exactly what they deserve.

When I do all this bragging, I do it as a fool and not for the Lord.

Yes, I am glad to be weak or insulted or mistreated or to have troubles and sufferings, if it is for Christ. Because when I am weak, I am strong.

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.

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.

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.