1. Moreover, brothers, we want you to experience the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia,
2. how in a great trial of affliction, the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty overflowed toward the riches of their generous giving.
3. For I bear record that according to their means, and beyond their means, they freely gave,
4. begging us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship of ministering to the saints.
5. This they did, not as we expected. First, they gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the will of God.
6. So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this gracious deed for you.
7. But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also.
8. I say this not as a command, but to prove through the authenticity of others, the sincerity also of your love.