2 Corinthians 12:15

Paul will gladly spend himself and be spent for their souls, even if loving them more brings less love in return. It matters because it shows love that gives without demanding reciprocity.

Cross-references · 18

• 1 Th 2:8We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
• 2 Cor 1:6If we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation; if we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which accomplishes in you patient endurance of the same sufferings we experience.
• Phil 2:17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
• Col 1:24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions for the sake of His body, which is the church.
• 2 Tim 2:10For this reason I endure all things for the sake of the elect, so that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
• 2 Cor 2:3I wrote as I did so that on my arrival I would not be saddened by those who ought to make me rejoice. I had confidence in all of you, that you would share my joy.
• 2 Cor 6:12–13It is not our affection, but yours, that is restrained.
• Heb 13:17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
• 2 Cor 12:14See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children.
• 1 Cor 4:8–18Already you have all you want. Already you have become rich. Without us, you have become kings. How I wish you really were kings, so that we might be kings with you!
• 2 Cor 12:9But He said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is perfected in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest on me.
• 2 Cor 1:14as you have already understood us in part, so that you may boast of us just as we will boast of you in the day of our Lord Jesus.
• John 10:10–11The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.
• 2 Sam 17:1–4Furthermore, Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me choose twelve thousand men and set out tonight in pursuit of David.
• 2 Cor 7:3I do not say this to condemn you. I have said before that you so occupy our hearts that we live and die together with you.
• Gal 4:10You are observing special days and months and seasons and years!
• 2 Sam 18:33The king was shaken and went up to the gate chamber and wept. And as he walked, he cried out, “O my son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! If only I had died instead of you, O Absalom, my son, my son!”
• 2 Sam 13:39And King David longed to go to Absalom, for he had been consoled over Amnon’s death.

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