Generosity Commended

(Philippians 4:10–20)

8 Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. 2 In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. 3 For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord, 4 they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5 And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.

6 So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it. 7 But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you [fn]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich. 10 And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire. 11 Now finish the work, so that you may complete it just as eagerly as you began, according to your means. 12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

13 It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality. 14 At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality. 15 As it is written:

“He who gathered much had no excess,

and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”[fn]