II Corinthians 8

1. Now, brethren, we wish to make known to you the grace of God that has been given to the churches in Macedonia,

2. That in a great trial of affliction, their abundant joy and their deep poverty has overflowed unto the wealth of their liberality.

3. For I testify that according to their ability, and even beyond their ability, they were willing to give of themselves,

4. Earnestly entreating us to accept the gift, and their participation in the service for the saints.

5. And not only as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord, and to us by the will of God.

6. So then, we exhorted Titus that as he had begun this service, so he might also with you make this gift complete.

7. Now even as you are abounding in every way—in faith, and word, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in the love that you have for us—so you should also abound in this gift.

8. I am not saying this as a command, but I am exhorting you through the diligence of others in order to prove the genuineness of your love.

9. For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: that although He was rich, He became poor for your sakes, so that by His poverty you might become rich.

10. Now I give my judgment in this because it is fitting for you, who began a year ago not only to perform this service, but also showed your willingness.

11. But now complete the service, so that just as there was a willing readiness, so also there may be a completion out of what you have.

12. For if there is a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

13. For I do not desire that others may be released and you be burdened, but that there may be equality—your present abundance making up for their deficiency.

14. Likewise, their future abundance may also be for your deficiency, so that there may be equality

15. Exactly as it is written: “He that gathered much had nothing left over; and he that gathered little did not lack.”

16. But thanks be to God, Who put the same earnest care for you in Titus’ heart.

17. For he truly accepted the exhortation; and being even more diligent, on his own initiative he went to you.

18. But we sent with him the brother, whose praise is known in the gospel throughout all the churches;

19. And that is not the only reason, for he had also been selected by the churches to accompany us with this gift, which is being ministered by us to the glory of the Lord Himself and as a witness of your willingness.

20. He is accompanying us to prevent anyone from accusing us concerning this abundance that is being ministered by us;

21. Providing honest things not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

22. And we sent with them our brother, whom we have often proved in many things to be diligent, and now much more diligent in the great confidence that he has toward you.

23. If anyone inquires about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for you; and if anyone inquires about our brethren, they are messengers of the churches and the glory of Christ.

24. Therefore, show the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf, to them and before the churches.