Definition: And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you; though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly beautiful and slightly poignant verse from 2 Corinthians 12:15. It’s a really rich statement about love and sacrifice! Here's what it means in simpler terms: Essentially, Paul is saying that he really loves you, but he’s also recognizing that his love isn’t unlimited. It’s a very honest acknowledgment of the challenges and difficulties involved in sharing his message with the world. Let’s unpack it piece by piece: “And I will very gladly spend and be spent for you…” – This is the core of the verse. Paul is expressing a deep, unwavering love for you. He's willing to put his time, effort, and even his resources into serving you. It’s a strong declaration of devotion. “…though the more abundantly I love you, the less I be loved.” – This is where it gets interesting. It highlights a crucial truth: Love isn't always about receiving love back. When someone truly loves you, they want to give you something. But, as Paul grows in his understanding of God’s plan and purpose, he realizes that his love might not be enough to fully satisfy your needs or desires. "The more abundantly I love you..." – This refers to the amount of love he feels for you. It's a huge expression of affection. "...the less I be loved." - This is the key part. He’s acknowledging that his own love isn't perfect, and it might not always be sufficient to meet all your needs or desires. It suggests a potential imbalance in the relationship – perhaps he’s pouring too much into serving you, and he’s realizing there’s a need for him to step back slightly. Overall Meaning: Paul is expressing vulnerability and honesty. He's admitting that his love isn’t limitless. He understands that sometimes, his own love might not be enough to fully fulfill your needs or desires, and he’s willing to sacrifice some of his own resources – his time, energy, and even himself – to serve you in a way that is truly meaningful for you . Why is this important? It's a reminder that love isn’t always about receiving something back. It’s also a call to trust God’s plan and to focus on what He wants for your best – to be a helpful and loving presence in your life, even if his own love doesn’t perfectly meet all of your needs. Resources for deeper understanding: Bible Gateway: [https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Corinthians%2C+12%2C+15](https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2 Corinthians,12,15) Faith Encyclopedia: [https://www.faithencyclopedia.org/bible/2-corinthians/12-2-15](https://www.faithencyclopedia.org/bible/2-corinthians/12-2-15) --- Do you want me to: Explain this verse in a different way? Connect it to a specific story or example?