If others have the right to receive support from you, don’t we have an even greater right? But we haven’t used that right. No, we’re prepared to make any sacrifice we have to, rather than let anything get in the way of the good news of Christ.
So I encourage younger widows to get married again, have children, and take care of their own homes. That way the enemy won’t get the chance to say bad things about them.
When I was with you and needed something, I didn’t make you pay for it. The believers who came from Macedonia provided everything I needed. I haven’t made you pay for anything at all, and I won’t ever do that.
We’re not trying to recommend ourselves to you again, but we are giving you a chance to be proud of us. That way you can answer those who judge people by external appearances, rather than by what’s in their hearts.