2 Corinthians 8:1-12 ▼

1 And we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God, that has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia,

2 because in much trial of tribulation the abundance of their joy, and their deep poverty, abounded to the riches of their liberality;

3 because, according to [their] power, I testify, and above [their] power, they were willing of themselves,

4 with much plea calling on us to receive the favor and the fellowship of the ministry to the holy ones,

5 and not according as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the LORD, and to us, through the will of God,

6 so that we exhorted Titus, that, according as he began before, so also he may also finish this favor to you,

7 but even as in everything you abound, in faith, and word, and knowledge, and all diligence, and in your love to us, that also in this grace you may abound;

8 I do not speak according to command, but because of the diligence of others, and proving the genuineness of your love,

9 for you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that because of you He became poor—being rich, that you may become rich by that poverty.

10 And I give an opinion in this: for this [is] expedient to you, who not only to do, but also to will, began before—a year ago,

11 and now also finish doing [it], that even as [there is] the readiness of the will, so also the finishing, out of that which you have,

12 for if the willing mind is present, it is well-accepted according to that which anyone may have, not according to that which he does not have;