2 Corinthians, Chapter 8

1. Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;    2. That in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their generosity.    3. For to the limit of their ability, I bear witness, yes, and beyond their ability they were willing of themselves;    4. Praying us with much urgency that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministry to the saints.    5. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord, and to us by the will of God,    6. To the extent that we desired of Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.    7. Therefore, as you abound in everything, in faith, and speech, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.    8. I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the eagerness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.    9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might be rich.    10. And in this I give my advice: for this is helpful for you, who began already, not only to do, but also to be eager a year ago.    11. Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which you have.    12. For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man has, and not according to what he has not.    13. For I do not mean that others should be freed, and you burdened:    14. But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:    15. As it is written, He who had gathered much had nothing left over; and he who had gathered little had no lack.    16. But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.    17. For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more earnest, of his own accord he went to you.    18. And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in connection with the gospel throughout all the churches;    19. And not only that, but who was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and as a declaration of your ready mind:    20. Avoiding this, that no one should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:    21. Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.    22. And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have many times proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, because of the great confidence which I have in you.    23. If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you: or if our brethren are inquired about, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.    24. Therefore show them, and before the churches, the evidence of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.