008:004 With earnest entreaty they begged from us the favour of
being allowed to share in the service now being rendered
to God's people.
008:005 They not only did this, as we had expected, but first of all in
obedience to God's will they gave their own selves to the Lord
and to us.
008:006 This led us to urge Titus that, as he had previously been
the one who commenced the work, so he should now go and complete
among you this act of beneficence also.
008:007 Yes, just as you are already very rich in faith, readiness of speech, knowledge, unwearied zeal, and in the love that is in you, implanted by us, see to it that this grace of liberal giving also flourishes in you.
008:008 I am not saying this by way of command, but to test by the standard of other men's earnestness the genuineness of your love also.
008:009 For you know the condescending goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ— how for your sakes He became poor, though He was rich, in order that you through His poverty might grow rich.
008:010 But in this matter I give you an opinion; for my doing this helps forward your own intentions, seeing that not only have you begun operations, but a year ago you already had the desire to do so.
008:011 And now complete the doing also, in order that, just as there
was then the eagerness in desiring, there may now be
the accomplishment in proportion to your means.
008:012 For, assuming the earnest willingness, the gift is acceptable
according to whatever a man has, and not according to what
he has not.
008:013 I do not urge you to give in order that others may have relief while you are unduly pressed,