2 Corinthians 8

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God given among the churches of Macedonia. In a severe trial of affliction, their overflowing joy and deep poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity. For I testify that they gave according to their ability, and beyond their ability, of their own free will, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. They went beyond what we expected: they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, by the will of God. So we urged Titus, just as he had begun before, to bring this work of grace to completion among you as well. As you excel in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, all earnestness, and the love that has come from us to you—excel also in this work of grace. I am not saying this as a command, but testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: though he was rich, for your sake he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich. In this matter I give my judgment, for this is to your advantage: a year ago you were the first not only to act but also to desire to do so. Now finish the work as well, so that your completion of it from what you have may match your eager desire. For if the willingness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. The aim is not relief for others and hardship for you, but equality: at the present time your abundance supplies their need, so that their abundance may also supply your need, and there may be equality. As it is written,
“The one who gathered much had no surplus, and the one who gathered little had no shortage.” But thanks be to God, who puts the same earnest concern for you in the heart of Titus. For he accepted our appeal, but being all the more eager, he went to you of his own free will. We sent with him the brother who is praised throughout all the churches for his service in the gospel. Not only that, but he was also appointed by the churches to travel with us in this gift of grace that we are administering for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our eagerness. We are taking care that no one can fault us over this generous gift we are administering, for we take thought for what is honorable, both in the sight of the Lord and in the sight of people. We sent with them our brother, whom we have often tested and found eager in many matters, and who is now far more eager because of great confidence in you. As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. Therefore show them, before the churches, the proof of your love and of our reason for boasting about you.

Rights and attribution