2 Corinthians 8:1-15 - Generosity In Giving

¹ I do you to wit, brethren, of the grace of God, which is given in the congregations of Macedonia: ² how that the abundance of their rejoicing is, that they are tried with much tribulation. And thereto, though they were exceeding poor, yet have they given exceeding richly, and that in singleness. ³ For to their powers - I bear them record - yea and beyond their power, they were willing of their own accord, ⁴ and prayed us with great instance, that we would receive their benefit, and suffer them to be partakers with others in ministering to the saints. ⁵ And this they did, not as we looked for; but gave their own selves first to the Lord, and after unto us by the will of God: ⁶ so that we could not but desire Titus to accomplish the same benevolence among you also, even as he had begun. ⁷ Now therefore, as ye are rich in all parts, in faith, in word, in knowledge, in all ferventness, and in love, which ye have to us: even so see that ye be plenteous in this benevolence.

⁸ This say I not as commanding: but because others are so fervent, therefore prove I your love, whether it be perfect or no. ⁹ Ye know the liberality of our Lord Jesus Christ, which though he were rich, yet for your sakes became poor: that ye through his poverty might be made rich. ¹⁰ And I give counsel hereto: For this is expedient for you, which began - not to do only, but also to will - a year ago. ¹¹ Now therefore perform the deed, that as there was in you a readiness to will, even so ye may perform the deed, of that which ye have. ¹² For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not. ¹³ It is not my mind that other be set at ease, and ye brought into cumbrance: but that there be equalness now at this time, ¹⁴ that your abundance succor their lack at this present time of dearth - that their abundance may supply your lack; that there may be equality, ¹⁵ agreeing to that which is written, "He that gathered much had never the more abundance, and he that gathered little, had nevertheless."