4. begging us with great earnestness for the blessing and fellowship of helping the saints.
5. And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
6. Thus we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, so also he should complete this act of kindness for you.
7. But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you – make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.
8. I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others.