2Co 2 Corinthians, chapter Second Epistle to the Corinthians, chapter 8
The Grace of Generosity
Now we want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia,
that in a severe trial of affliction, their abundant joy and their deep poverty overflowed into a wealth of generosity.
For I testify that according to their means, and even beyond their means, they gave voluntarily,
earnestly pleading with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.
And they did this not merely as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us, in keeping with the will of God.
Accordingly, we urged Titus that just as he had begun this work earlier, so he would also bring this act of grace to completion among you.
But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in the love awakened among you—see that you also excel in this act of grace.
I am not speaking this as a command, but as a means of 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, possessing all the glory and privileges of divinity, yet for your sake He became poor, willingly laying them aside to take on human flesh with its limitations and sufferings, so that through His poverty you might become rich—gaining the true riches of redemption and eternal life.
And in this matter I offer my judgment, for this is beneficial for you, since you were the first not only to act but also to desire to do so a year ago.
Now bring this work to completion as well, so that just as there was readiness to desire it, there may also be completion according to what you have.
For if the willingness is present, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.
The goal is not that others should be relieved while you are burdened, but that there should be equality.
At the present time, your abundance is meant to supply their need, so that their abundance may also supply your need, resulting in equality.
As it is written, “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”*
Commendation of Titus
But thanks be to God, who has placed the same earnest concern for you in the heart of Titus.
For he not only welcomed our appeal, but being himself very eager, he went to you of his own accord.
We have also sent with him the brother whose commendation in the gospel is well known throughout all the churches.
Not only that, but he has also been appointed by the churches to travel with us in administering this gracious gift, which we are managing for the glory of the Lord Himself and as an expression of our readiness to serve.
We are taking precautions so that no one will criticize us regarding the administration of this generous gift.
For we aim to do what is right, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.
Along with them, we have sent our brother whom we have often tested and found to be earnest in many matters, but now even more so because of his great confidence in you.
If there is any question about Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches and a glory to Christ.
Therefore, in the presence of the churches, show them the proof of your love and the reason for our confidence in you.
Notes
15 Quoted from Ex. 16:18