2 Corinthians 8

Generosity Encouraged

1 Listen, we must tell you all about the kindness God gave the churches in Macedonia.

2 They went through big trials, but their extreme joy and deep poverty overflowed in a wealth of generosity.

3 I can vouch they gave as much as they could, even more than that. They gave beyond their ability, of their own free will.

4 They were begging us for the privilege of helping out the saints.

5 And they did not just do what we expected, they gave themselves first to the Lord, then to us, following God’s lead.

6 So we told Titus to finish this work of giving with you, just like he started.

7 You all excel in everything, in faith, speech, knowledge, passion, and love for us, so make sure you also excel in this act of giving.

8 I am not tryna command you, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with others.

9 You all know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ: though He was rich, He became poor for you all, so you could become rich through His poverty.

10 Here is my advice: last year you started this work and wanted to do it, so now finish it up.

11 Complete what you started. Give according to what you got, not what you do not.

12 If the willingness is there, God accepts what you have, not what you do not.

13 Our goal is not to make it easy for others and hard for you all, but for equality.

14 Right now, your abundance meets their need, and someday their abundance will meet your need. That way, there is balance.

15 Like Scripture says, “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”

16 Thank God for putting the same care for you all in Titus’s heart.

17 He welcomed our appeal, and he is coming to you with enthusiasm and on his own initiative.

18 We are also sending along a brother who is famous among the churches for spreading the good news.

19 He has been chosen by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of service, all for the glory of the Lord and to show our eagerness to help.

20 We are taking care to handle this gift carefully, so nobody can accuse us of shady business.

21 We aim to do what is right, not just in God’s eyes but also in people’s eyes.

22 And we are sending another brother who has proven himself in many ways and is now even more eager, because he has great confidence in you all.

23 As for Titus, he is my partner and coworker among you. And for our brothers, they are representatives of the churches and a glory to Christ.

24 So show these guys the proof of your love and the reason for our pride in you, so all the churches can see it.