Grace Overflows Through Generosity
The relief collection begun a year ago is still unfinished. Paul refuses to command it. He points to the Macedonians, poor and afflicted, who gave beyond their means by our Father's grace, asks only fairness between churches, and sends Titus with witnesses so no one can question the money.
8 1We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about our Father's grace given in the churches of Macedonia. 2Tested by great trouble, their overflowing joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. 3For I testify: they gave as they were able, and beyond, entirely willingly. 4Urgently begging us for the favor and partnership of serving the holy ones. 5It wasn't what we expected—they gave themselves first to the Lord, then to us, by our Father's will. 6So we urged Titus to also finish this act of grace among you, as he had already begun. 7But as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in the love we have for you—see that you also excel in this generous offering. 8This isn't a command—I'm testing your love's realness by the earnestness of others. 9You know our Lord Jesus Christ's grace: though rich, he became poor for you, so his poverty could make you rich. 10My judgment on this: it benefits you, who a year ago began not only doing this but also wanting to. 11Now finish the doing too, so eagerness to want it matches completing it from what you have. 12If the eagerness is there, it's acceptable by what one has, not what one lacks. 13I do not mean that others be relieved while you are burdened, but that there be fairness. 14Right now your surplus should meet their need, so their surplus may meet your need, and there is equality. 15As it is written: "the one who gathered much had no extra; the one who gathered little, no lack."
Titus Sent With Earnest Care
16Thanks to our Father, who put the same earnest care I have for you into Titus's heart. 17He not only welcomed our appeal, but—more earnest himself—is going to you by his own choice. 18With him we are sending the brother praised by all the churches for his work in the gospel. 19Not only that—the churches also appointed him to travel with us in this generous gift we carry out, for the Lord's own glory and our eagerness. 20We arrange this so no one can fault us over this generous gift we are handling, 21for we aim at what is honorable not only before the Lord but also before people. 22We're sending with them our brother, tested often and found earnest in much, now even more earnest, given his great confidence in you. 23As for Titus: my partner, my fellow worker for you. As for our brothers: messengers of the churches, Christ's glory. 24So show them, before the churches, proof of your love and our boasting about you.
