Or did I ‘commit a sin’ humbling myself,
so that you might be exalted? –
because I preached the gospel of God, gratis?
I plundered other churches
taking support (from them)
for ministry to you,
and being with you,
and being in need
I was not a burden on anyone –
the brothers who came from Macedonia
supplied my needs,
and
in every way
I have kept and will keep myself
from being a burden to you.
As the truth of Christ is in me:
this boasting of mine will be not silenced
in the regions of Achaia.
Why? because I do not love you? God knows (I do).
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace:
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is discord, union;
Where there is doubt, faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
Where there is sadness, joy,
For your mercy and for your truth’s sake. Amen