2 Corinthians 12:15 – “So I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well. If I love you more, will you love me less?”

Extended Explanation

In this verse, Paul expresses deep, selfless love for the Corinthians. He is willing to give everything for them—not just financially, but his very life. The phrase “spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well” shows Paul’s sacrificial attitude. He does not see ministry as a job, but as a calling that requires complete devotion.

Yet, despite his love for them, he asks a painful question: “If I love you more, will you love me less?” This suggests that Paul’s love was not being returned. He had sacrificed for them, taught them, and endured hardship for their sake, but instead of appreciating his love, some in the church were pulling away from him.

Paul’s words reflect the heart of a true servant. He does not seek their money or praise—he only desires their spiritual growth. Even though they may not love him back, he will continue to love them.

Historical Context

Paul had spent years investing in the Corinthians. He founded their church, taught them the gospel, and wrote multiple letters to correct their problems. Yet, many in the church were being influenced by false teachers who questioned Paul’s authority.

These “super-apostles” (2 Corinthians 11:5) boasted about their skills and demanded money, while Paul refused financial support so he wouldn’t be a burden. Instead of appreciating his sacrifice, some Corinthians saw this as a weakness.

Now, as Paul prepares for his third visit, he wants them to understand:

• His love for them is genuine and selfless.
• He does not expect anything in return.
• Their lack of love will not stop him from loving them.

Paul’s words are a reminder that true spiritual leadership is about serving, not taking. He was not interested in power, wealth, or recognition—he simply wanted them to grow in Christ.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches powerful truths about love and ministry:

1. True love is selfless. Paul is willing to give everything, even when his love is not returned.
2. Christian ministry is about sacrifice. Paul sees himself as a servant, not someone seeking gain.
3. Love is not always appreciated. Even the most faithful servants of God may be rejected, but they must continue loving.
4. Spiritual leadership is about giving, not taking. Unlike false teachers, Paul does not demand money or praise—he gives freely.

This verse also challenges the idea that ministry should be comfortable. Paul’s love for the Corinthians was costly—it required his time, energy, and even suffering. True Christian service requires self-sacrifice.

Literary Analysis

Paul’s language in this verse is deeply emotional.

• “I will very gladly spend for you everything I have and expend myself as well.” – This shows total commitment. Paul is not just giving his resources—he is giving his entire self.
• “If I love you more, will you love me less?” – This is a painful question. Paul sees that his love is not being fully returned.

Paul’s words reflect parental love—just as a parent sacrifices for their child, expecting nothing in return, Paul gives freely to the Corinthians out of love.

Biblical Cross-References

• Philippians 2:17 – Paul says he is being poured out like a drink offering, meaning he gives his life for others.
• John 15:13 – “Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.” Paul lives this kind of sacrificial love.
• 1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Paul says, “We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.”
• Luke 6:35 – Jesus says to love even when it is not returned, just as Paul does here.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse challenges us to love selflessly, even when it costs us.

• Are we willing to serve without expecting anything in return?
• Do we give our time, energy, and resources to help others spiritually?
• How do we respond when our love is not appreciated?

Paul’s example reminds us that true Christian love is not about what we receive—it is about what we give. Even if people do not return our love, we are called to keep loving, just as Christ loved us.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Paul’s love for the Corinthians reflects God’s love for us.

• God gives freely. Just as Paul gave everything, God gives His grace, mercy, and salvation to those who do not deserve it.
• God’s love is not always appreciated. Many people reject or ignore God’s love, yet He continues to love them.
• God’s love is costly. Just as Paul sacrificed for the Corinthians, God sacrificed His Son for us.

This verse shows that real love is not about getting something in return—it is about giving everything for the sake of others.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Paul’s words echo the heart of Jesus:

• Jesus gave everything for us. (Mark 10:45) Paul is willing to expend himself just as Jesus gave His life for us.
• Jesus loved even when He was rejected. (John 1:11) Paul’s question—“Will you love me less?”—reflects how Jesus was often unappreciated.
• Jesus sacrificed for those He loved. (Romans 5:8) Just as Paul does not wait for the Corinthians to love him back, Jesus died for us while we were still sinners.

Paul is following Christ’s example—serving and loving, even when it is not easy.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why was Paul willing to sacrifice so much for the Corinthians?
2. Have you ever loved or served someone who did not appreciate it? How did you respond?
3. How does this verse challenge the way we love and serve others?
4. What does Paul’s example teach us about true Christian leadership?
5. How does Paul’s love reflect the love of Jesus?

Paul’s words in 2 Corinthians 12:15 remind us that real love is sacrificial. True servants of Christ do not seek wealth, comfort, or recognition—they give everything for the sake of others. May we follow Paul’s example and love selflessly, just as Christ has loved us.