2nd Corinthians 8

 

1 Now, brothers, we would like to make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

2 How that in the midst of great trial of affliction (the grace of God abounded toward them giving birth to a belief in their heart that they had all sufficiency in Christ Jesus), (overflowing) the abundance of joy in them (with great contentment) and (so that in spite of) their deep poverty (the grace and strength of God) abounded to the abundance of their generosity.

3 For against their strength, I testify that (above and) beyond their (own) strength they were willing (to give) of themselves (by the grace and strength of God filling their hearts with joy and contentment in their sufficiency in Christ Jesus);

4 Asking us with (joy and) strong encouragement for the gift and (the privilege of) the fellowship (and the blessing) of the ministering (of their gift) to the (poor) saints (in Jerusalem).

5 And this they did, not as we (had asked or) expected, but (their generosity was born from) first giving themselves over to the Lord (and Him as their sufficiency), and (as helpers) to us by the will of God.

6 So that we desired Titus (to visit you), so that as God has begun (a good work in you), so would He also finish in you the same grace (which was) also (born unto the Macedonians).

7 Therefore, as you abound in everything, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace (where generosity can be born from your sufficiency in Christ).

8 I do not speak by commandment (or obligation), but (so that) through the enthusiasm of others, (you might) also (desire the opportunity) to show the sincerity of your love (that the Father has placed in your heart to care for their lives).

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though He was rich (in that all things from the Father were His), (Who being in the form of God) yet for your sakes He became poor (taking on the form of a servant), so that you through His poverty (to humble Himself) might be made rich (being fully persuaded by Him that the Father is your sufficiency for all things pertaining to life and Godlikeness).

10 And (being persuaded that your sufficiency for all things is in Him) herein I give my advice: for this is profitable for you, who not only began to act (purposing in your heart to give) a year ago but also had a willingness to do so.

11 Now therefore, finish the work (you started); so that just as there was a willingness to do it, so also there may be the same desire to complete it out of the abundance you have (in your heart).

12 For if there is first a willingness present, it is acceptable according to the abundance a man has (in his heart), and not according to lack.

13 For I do not mean that other men should be eased, and you burdened:

14 But by equality, that at this present time your abundance may care for their need, that also their abundance may care for your need: so that there may be equality:

15 As it is written (of the manna God provided), He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack (so that each one had as much as he needed).

16 But thanks be to God, who put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you all.

17 For he certainly accepted our appeal (to go), but being more diligent, of his own willingness, he went to you.

18 And we have sent with him the brother, whose boasting is (only) in the gospel throughout all the churches;

19 And not only that, but who was also appointed by the churches to travel with us with this gift, which is administered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself, and from your willingness:

20 So that we might avoid any man from finding fault with us in this abundant gift which is being administered by us:

21 Taking great care to provide for (good and) honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also before men.

22 And we have sent with them our brother, who has often proven to be diligent in many things, but now he is much more eager, because of the great confidence which he has in you.

23 If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper (in the ministry) concerning you: or if anyone inquires about our brothers, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

24 Therefore, show yourself to them (as you would to me), and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.