August 6

See, I am ready to come to you a third time, and I will not be a burden, because I am not seeking your possessions, but you. For children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children. — 2 Cor 12:14 BSB

The goal of true friendship is not to get, but to give; not to be served, but to serve.

In all of Paul’s letters, we see his eagerness to do good for others, without seeking anything in return. He says, “I seek not what you have, but you.” He didn’t want to be a burden to anyone.

He compared himself to a parent, caring for their children. Parents save up for their children, not the other way around. Paul was happy to spend and be spent for their spiritual growth.

Even though his love wasn’t always appreciated—“the more I love you, the less you love me”—he didn’t stop caring for them. His focus was always on their good.

This is the essence of true friendship. It’s also the motto of love—“Not what you have, but you.”