1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace

of God that has been [h] given among the

churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of

affliction, their abundance of joy and their

extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of

generosity on their part. 3 For they gave [j]

according to their means, as I can testify, and

beyond their means, of their own accord,

4 begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part

in [l] the relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we

expected, but they gave themselves first to the

Lord and then by the will of God to us.

6 Accordingly, [n] we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among

you [o] this act of grace. 7 But as [p] you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in

knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you — [q] see that you excel in this act

of grace also.

8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love

also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that [s] though he

was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become

rich. 10 And in this matter I give my judgment: [u] this benefits you, who [v] a year ago

started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as

well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of

what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable [w] according to what a

person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others

should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance

at the present time should supply [x] their need, so that their abundance may supply

your need, that there may be fairness. 15 As it is written, [y] “Whoever gathered much

had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack.”

16 But [z] thanks be to God, [a] who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I

have for you. 17 For [b] he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest

he is going to you of his own accord. 18 With him we are sending

[c] the brother who is famous among [d] all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.

19 And not only that, but he has been [e] appointed by the churches to travel with us as

we carry out this act of [f] grace that is being ministered by us, [g] for the glory of the

Lord himself and to show our good will. 20 We take this course so that no one should

blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us, 21 for [h] we aim at

what is honorable [i] not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of man. 22 And

with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in

many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence

in you. 23 As for Titus, he is [j] my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as

for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ. 24 So give

proof before the churches of your love and of [k] our boasting about you to these men.

2 Corinthians:8:1-24 ESV