2 Corinthians 8:1-15 - Generosity In Giving

¹ Now we make known to you, brothers and sisters, the grace of God given to the churches of Macedonia, ² that during a severe ordeal of suffering, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their generosity. ³ For I testify, they gave according to their means and beyond their means. They did so voluntarily, ⁴ begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints. ⁵ And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God. ⁶ Thus we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, so also he should complete this act of kindness for you. ⁷ But as you excel in everything -- in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you -- make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.

⁸ I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others. ⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich. ¹⁰ So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give, ¹¹ to finish what you started, so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, you can also complete it according to your means. ¹² For if the eagerness is present, the gift itself is acceptable according to whatever one has, not according to what he does not have. ¹³ For I do not say this so there would be relief for others and suffering for you, but as a matter of equality. ¹⁴ At the present time, your abundance will meet their need, so that one day their abundance may also meet your need, and thus there may be equality, ¹⁵ as it is written: "The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little."