1Now, my brothers, we must tell you about the grace that God has given to the Macedonian churches.
2Somehow, in most difficult circumstances, their overflowing joy and the fact of being down to their last penny themselves, produced a magnificent concern for other people.
3I can guarantee that they were willing to give to the limit of their means, yes and beyond their means, without the slightest urging from me or anyone else.
4In fact they simply begged us to accept their gifts and so let them share the honour of supporting their brothers in Christ.
5Nor was their gift, as I must confess I had expected, a mere cash payment. Instead they made a complete dedication of themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because God willed it.
6Now this has made us ask Titus, who began this task, to complete it by arranging for you to share in this work of generosity.
7Already you are well to the fore in every good qualityyou have faith, you can express that faith in words; you have knowledge, enthusiasm and your love for us. Could you not add generosity to your virtues?
8I don't give you this as an order. It is only my suggestion, prompted by what I have seen in others of eagerness to help, that here is a way to prove the reality of your love.
9Do you remember the generosity of Jesus Christ, the Lord of us all? He was rich, yet he became poor for your sakes so that his poverty might make you rich.
10Here is my opinion in the matter. I think it would be a good thing for you, who were the first a year ago to think of helping, as well as the first to give,
11to carry through what you then intended to do. Finish it, then, as well as your means allow, and show that you can complete what you set out to do with as much readiness as you showed eagerness to begin.
12The important thing is to be willing to give as much as we canthat is what God accepts, and no one is asked to give what he has not got.
13Of course, I don't mean that others should be relieved to an extent that leaves you in distress.
14It is a matter of share and share alike. At present your plenty should supply their need, and then at some future date their plenty may supply your need. In that way we share with each other,
15as the scripture says, He that gathered much had nothing over, And he that gathered little had no lack.
16Thank God Titus feels the same deep concern for you as we do!
17He accepts the suggestion outlined above, and in his enthusiasm comes to you personally at his own request.
18We are sending with him that brother whose services to the gospel are universally praised in the churches.
19He has moreover been chosen to travel with us in this work of administering this generous gift. It is a task that brings glory to God and demonstrates also our willingness to help.
20Naturally we want to avoid the slightest breath of criticism in the distribution of their gifts,
21and to be absolutely aboveboard not only in the sight of God but in the eyes of men.
22With these two we are also sending our brother, of whose keenness we have ample proof and whose interest is especially aroused on this occasion as he has such confidence in you.
23As for Titus, he is my partner and colleague in your affairs, and both the brothers are official messengers of the churches, a credit to Christ.
24So do let them see how genuine is your love, and justify my pride in you, so that all the churches may see it.
<< 2 Korintus 8 >>
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