Paul's Appeal to Complete the Collection

8 Now [fn]we make known to you, brothers, the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia. 2 During a severe trial of affliction, their abundant joy and their deep poverty abounded in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For I testify that according to their ability, and even beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4 urgently begging us [fn]for the privilege of contributing to the gift for the saints in Jerusalem. 5 And they did not do this in the way we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us by the will of God. 6 So we have urged Titus, who previously encouraged you to begin gathering money, to return and help you complete this gracious gift. 7 But just as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in [fn]your love for us—make sure you abound in this gracious gift as well.

8 I am not saying this as a command, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for [fn]your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you could become rich. 10 So I am giving my advice about what is best for you in this matter. Last year you were not only the first who wanted to give, but you were also the first to begin doing so. 11 Now finish doing it, so that your eager willingness to give may be matched by your completion of the gift, according to what you have. 12 For if the eager willingness is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what one does not have. 13 I do not mean there should be relief for others and hardship for you, but it is a matter of equality. At the present time your abundance should provide for their need, 14 so that in turn their abundance may provide for your need, and thus there may be equality. 15 As it is written, “He who gathered much had nothing left over, and he who gathered little had no lack.”