Generosity Commended

(Philippians 4:10–20)

8 Now, brothers, we want you to know about[fn] 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, through [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 your love for us[fn]—[see] that you also excel in this grace of giving. 8 I am not giving a command, but I am testing the sincerity of your love through the earnestness of others.

9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that [though] He was rich, yet for your sake[fn] 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 with the same eager desire, 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. This way 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]