It is not that we are [so] competent as to consider anything [we do] as coming from ourselves, but our competence comes from God.

I do not do as Moses did, who used to cover his face with a veil to keep the children of Israel from beholding the passing of a fading glory.

I appeal to you too, as a worker with God, do not receive the grace of God in vain.

And they did not [just] do as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and [then] to us through the will of God.

This has led me to ask Titus to complete the arrangements for the same gracious contribution among yourselves, as it was he who started it.

That is why I have thought it necessary to ask these brothers to go on in advance and get your promised contribution ready in good time. I want it to be forthcoming as a generous gift, not as money wrung out of you.

Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

Let me say again that no one must think that I am a fool, but if you do, please treat me like a fool and let me do a little boasting too, as other fools do.