2 Corinthians 8

1Brothers, we want you to know the grace of God given in the churches of Macedonia.

2that in great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and the depth of their poverty abounded to the riches of their generosity.

3For according to their ability I testify, and beyond their ability they were willing of their own accord.

4They implored us with much urging for the grace and the fellowship in the ministry to the saints.

5And not as we hoped, but first they gave themselves to the Lord and to us by God's will.

6We urged Titus that just as he had begun before, so he would also complete this grace among you.

7But as you abound in everything—in faith, speech, knowledge, all earnestness, and our love for you—so abound also in this grace.

8I speak not by commandment, but through the earnestness of others and proving the sincerity of your love.

9For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though rich, he became poor for your sake, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

10And in this I give advice, for this benefits you, who began last year not only to do but also to be willing.

11Now complete the doing also, so that just as there was the readiness to will, so also there may be the completion out of what you have.

12For if the readiness is present, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have.

13For it is not that there be relief for others and distress for you, but out of equality.

14Your abundance at the present time fills their lack, so that their abundance may also fill your lack, resulting in equality.

15As it is written, "He who had much did not have more, and he who had little did not have less."

16But thanks to God, who puts the same diligence for you into Titus's heart.

17For he indeed accepted the exhortation, but being even more diligent and fully willing, he went to you.

18We have sent the brother with him whose praise in the gospel has spread through all the churches.

19Not only so, but who was also chosen by the churches as our traveling companion with this grace that we minister to the glory of the Lord himself and our readiness.

20We are avoiding this, lest anyone blame us in this abundance being administered by us.

21For we make provision for honorable things, not only before the Lord but also before people.

22We have sent with them our brother, whom we have often proved diligent in many things, but now much more so because of his great confidence in you.

23Whether concerning Titus, my partner and fellow worker for you—or our brothers, apostles of the churches, Christ's glory.

24Therefore show them the evidence of your love and our boasting about you in the presence of the churches.