2 Corinthians 8:6-16

6So we urged Titus that, as he began it, he should also complete this gracious work among you as well.

7But just as you excel in everything, [and lead the way] in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in genuine concern, and in your love for us, see that you excel in this gracious work [of giving] also.

8I am not saying this as a command [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the enthusiasm of others, the sincerity of your love as well.

9For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed).

10I give you my opinion in this matter: this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to take action [to help the believers in Jerusalem], but also [the first] to desire to do it.

11So now finish this, so that your eagerness in desiring it may be equaled by your completion of it, according to your ability.

12For if the eagerness [to give] is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

13For it is not [intended] that others be relieved [of their responsibility] and that you be burdened [unfairly], but that there be equality [in sharing the burden]—

14at this present time your surplus [over necessities] is going to supply their need, so that [at some other time] their surplus may be given to supply your need, that there may be equality;

15as it is written [in Scripture], “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not lack.”

16But thanks be to God who puts the same genuine concern for you in the heart of Titus.