Knowing The Word in 2 Corinthians 12:14-18, Spend and Be Spent

14 Here for the third time I am ready to come to you. And I will not be a burden, for I seek not what is yours but you. For children are not obligated to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. 15 I will most gladly spend and be spent for your souls. If I love you more, am I to be loved less? 16 But granting that 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 through any of those whom I sent to you? 18 I urged Titus to go, and sent 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?

Paul puts his personal relationship and fellowship with the Corinthians over personal financial gain. In saying he will “most gladly spend and be spent” for their souls, he is displaying true Christlikeness, considering them of more value than himself.Apparently, the Corinthians liked Titus, and Paul says that Titus did what Paul did. Therefore, they should accept Paul.

Grant, O God, we beseech thee, that the same mind may be in all the ministers of thy Church that was in Christ Jesus:

his self-forgetting humility;

his interest in common things;

his love for common people;

his compassion for the fallen;

his tolerance with the mistaken;

his patience with the slow;

and in all their work and converse make them continually sensitive to thy guidance and ready for thy will; through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Methodist Church, Book of Offices