There's nothing better than having an example that actually does what it says we should do. Paul had a perfect model in the person of Jesus, and he himself worked hard to be like Him.
In the previous verse Paul says that “his hands provided for his needs and those who were with him. In this specific context it is not clear what type of work he did with his hands, but he certainly worked hard for himself and for those who were unable to provide for their needs.
As an apostle, he “coveted no man's silver, nor gold, nor clothing,” but maintained himself fully and gave all he could give to help those with him and not be a burden to anyone. And before leaving Ephesus to go to Jerusalem, he encouraged everyone to help those in need and to follow the example of Jesus who said "there is more joy in giving than in receiving".
So do with all your heart, give with all your heart, help with all your heart, because everything we do, we must “do it all for the glory of God” and when we stand before the Throne of God we will hear from the King Why I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me a drink; I was a stranger and you welcomed me; I was naked and you dressed me; I was ill and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to visit me." Then the righteous will answer him: "Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and we gave you something to drink? When did we ever see you as a stranger and welcome you? Or naked and we dressed you? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to visit you?" And the king will answer them: "Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me.
Together we pray to the Lord telling him: God in heaven, I thank you for what you encourage me to do. I want to serve myself by putting myself at the service of those close to me. Use me for Your glory. In the name of Jesus... Amen!
With love, Ivano Salerno