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 2:8Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us.
• 2 Cor 1:6But if we are afflicted, it is for your comfort and salvation. If we are comforted, it is for your comfort, which produces in you the patient enduring of the same sufferings which we also suffer.
• Phil 2:17Yes, and if I am poured out on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice, and rejoice with you all.
• Col 1:24Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and fill up on my part that which is lacking of the afflictions of Christ in my flesh for his body’s sake, which is the assembly;
• 2 Tim 2:10Therefore I endure all things for the chosen ones’ sake, that they also may obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.
• 2 Cor 2:3And I wrote this very thing to you, so that, when I came, I wouldn’t have sorrow from them of whom I ought to rejoice; having confidence in you all, that my joy would be shared by all of you.
• 2 Cor 6:12–13You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted by your own affections.
• Heb 13:17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch on behalf of your souls, as those who will give account, that they may do this with joy, and not with groaning, for that would be unprofitable for you.
• 2 Cor 12:14Behold, this is the third time I am ready to come to you, and I will not be a burden to you; for I seek not your possessions, but you. For the children ought not to save up for the parents, but the parents for the children.
• 1 Cor 4:8–18You are already filled. You have already become rich. You have come to reign without us. Yes, and I wish that you did reign, that we also might reign with you.
• 2 Cor 12:9He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Most gladly therefore I will rather glory in my weaknesses, that the power of Christ may rest on me.
• 2 Cor 1:14as also you acknowledged us in part, that we are your boasting, even as you also are ours, in the day of our Lord Jesus.
• John 10:10–11The thief only comes to steal, kill, and destroy. I came that they may have life, and may have it abundantly.
• 2 Sam 17:1–4Moreover Ahithophel said to Absalom, “Let me now choose twelve thousand men, and I will arise and pursue after David tonight.
• 2 Cor 7:3I say this not to condemn you, for I have said before, that you are in our hearts to die together and live together.
• Gal 4:10You observe days, months, seasons, and years.
• 2 Sam 18:33The king was much moved, and went up to the room over the gate, and wept. As he went, he said, “My son Absalom! My son, my son Absalom! I wish I had died for you, Absalom, my son, my son!”
• 2 Sam 13:39King David longed to go out to Absalom; for he was comforted concerning Amnon, since he was dead.

Each word below is tagged with its Strong’s number — tap one to see the underlying Greek word, its meaning, and every verse that uses it.