Not a Burden

2 Corinthians 12:16–18: But be that as it may, I did not burden you. Nevertheless, being crafty, I caught you by cunning! Did I take advantage of you by any of those whom I sent to you? I urged Titus, and sent our brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not walk in the same spirit? Did we not walk in the same steps?

So Paul here exposes the hollowness of their accusations with some pointed questions: “Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you? 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?” (vv. 17, 18). Titus’s integrity, plus the great care with which Paul had earlier arranged to send Titus and a respected “brother” to Corinth to gather the offering for transport to Jerusalem, proved the emptiness of the charges. Paul’s ministry to the Corinthians was one of hard-working sacrifice from beginning to end. He had sought nothing but their spiritual well-being. In fact, he was spending everything he had for their souls. He was ministering like Christ, for Christ. Therefore, to reject the apostle was to reject Christ himself. ¹

Personal Application

• Read 2 Corinthians 11:9. One of the reasons that a pastor and his wife and family need prayer is because they minster to the burdens of many, while never wanting to be a burden themselves.

Godly Encouragement

• But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellence of the power may be of God and not of us. –2 Corinthians 4:7

A Biblical Thought to Share with Others

Bring Him your burden, before sharing your burden with others. – TWEET IT

A Prayer to Consider

Lord, thank You for the strength and wisdom to be a comfort to others.