The relationship of parent to child is one that Paul uses in this passage and is helpful in understanding the relationship between those who proclaim the gospel and those who receive it. Children do not always appreciate their parents' sacrifices and sometimes even rebel against their parents. What motivates all that parents do for their children is love.

In this passage, the Bible teaches how believers should respond to the gospel, the cost of ministry, and what motivates the preaching of the gospel.

The most vicious accusers are the ones who attack your heart's motives and intentions. Such accusations are clearly prohibited in scripture because only God can know your heart, and to judge another's heart is to stand in the place of God's judgment. Ungodly accusers choose to attack your heart's intentions and motives because such attacks are impossible to defend against. The attacker says, "I know what you meant by that action," or "I know what you were thinking." And all you are left with is what seems like an inadequate defense – "no, I did not."

In this passage, Paul is dealing with accusers accusing him of being deceitful and manipulative because he has not been able to return to the church as he had promised. They wanted to discredit his ministry. Paul's defense does not seek the approval of men but of God. He encourages the believers to have a clear conscience before God, trust in the promises of Christ alone, and trust in God's perfect timing.