Thematic Bible: In stimulating benevolent giving

Now, brethren, we want you to know about the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in the wealth of their liberality. For I testify that according to their ability, and even beyond their ability, they gave of their own free will, read more.
urgently pleading with us for the privilege of sharing in the relief of the saints. And they did not do as we expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, he would also complete in you this work of grace. But as you excel in everythingin faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in your love for ussee that you excel in this work of grace also. I am not speaking this as a command, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.

Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the offering for the saints, for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year; and your zeal has stirred up most of them. But I am sending the brethren so that our boasting about you may not prove vain in this case, so that you may be ready, as I said you would be; read more.
lest if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, wenot to say anything about you would be ashamed of having been so confident. So I thought it necessary to urge the brethren to go on to you before me, and arrange in advance for this gift you have promised, so that it may be ready not as an exaction but as a willing gift.