14 Here (A)for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for (B)I seek not what is yours but you. For (C)children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but (D)parents for their children. 15 (E)I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If (F)I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But granting that (G)I myself did not burden you, I was crafty, you say, and got the better of you by deceit. 17 Did I take advantage of you (H)through any of those whom I sent to you? 18 (I)I urged Titus to go, and sent (J)the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?

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Paul’s plans to visit and a warning

14 Look, I’m ready to visit you a third time, and I won’t be a burden on you. I don’t want your things; I want you. It isn’t the children’s responsibility to save up for their parents but parents for children. 15 I will very gladly spend and be spent for your sake. If I love you more, will you love me less?

16 We all know that I didn’t place a burden on you, but in spite of that you think I’m a con artist who fooled you with a trick. 17 I haven’t taken advantage of you through any of the people I sent to you, have I? 18 I strongly encouraged Titus to go to you and sent the brother with him. Titus didn’t take advantage of you, did he? Didn’t we live by the same Spirit? Didn’t we walk in the same footsteps?

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