2 Corinthians 8

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1. 1Brothers, we want you to know about the grace God has given to the churches in Macedonia.
2. 2In a great trial of affliction, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.
3. 3I can testify that they gave as much as they could, and even beyond their ability, willingly.
4. 4They earnestly pleaded with us to accept the gift and to join in the fellowship of serving the saints.
5. 5What they did went far beyond what we expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us, because that was God's will.
6. 6So we urged Titus — since he had already started this work among you — to help you complete this same act of grace.
7. 7Therefore, as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you also excel in this grace.
8. 8I'm not giving you an order. But by pointing to the eagerness of others, I'm giving you a chance to prove that your love is genuine.
9. 9You already know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: though he was rich, he became poor for your sake, so that through his poverty you could become rich.
10. 10Here's my advice — and it's for your own benefit: a year ago, you were the first not only to start giving but also to want to give.
11. 11Now it's time to finish what you started. You were so eager to begin — now match that eagerness by completing the work with whatever you have.
12. 12For if there is a willing mind, it is accepted based on what one has, not on what one does not have.
13. 13I'm not trying to make life easy for others while making it hard for you.
14. 14But by equality, at this time your abundance can meet their need, so that their abundance may also meet your need, ensuring equality.
15. 15As Scripture says, "The one who gathered a lot didn't end up with too much, and the one who gathered only a little didn't go without."
16. 16Thank God — he put the same deep concern for you into the heart of Titus.
17. 17Titus not only accepted our request, but he was so eager that he decided to come to you on his own.
18. 18Along with him, we're sending a brother who is widely praised among all the churches for his work in spreading the gospel.
19. 19Not only this, but he was also chosen by the churches to travel with us with this grace, which we administer for the glory of the same Lord and to show your readiness.
20. 20We're being careful so that no one can criticize how we handle this large contribution.
21. 21We want to do what is right — not only in the Lord's eyes, but also in the eyes of everyone watching.
22. 22We're also sending another brother along with them. We've tested his dedication many times in many situations, and now he's even more eager because of his great confidence in you.
23. 23If anyone asks about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you. If anyone asks about our brothers, they are the messengers of the churches and the glory of Christ.
24. 24So show them, and before the churches, the proof of your love and of our boasting on your behalf.