2Cor 8:1-14, 9:2 | ESV | STEP | We want you to know , brothers , about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia ,

2 Corinthians 8:1-14

Encouragement to Give Generously

1 We want you to know, brothers, ^{▼▼Or brothers and sisters} about the grace of God that has been ^bgiven among the churches of Macedonia, 2 for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and ^ctheir extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. 3 For they gave ^daccording to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, 4 begging us earnestly ^efor the favor ^{▼▼The Greek word charis can mean favor or grace or thanks, depending on the context} of taking part in ^gthe relief of the saints— 5 and this, not as we expected, but they ^hgave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us. 6 Accordingly, ⁱwe urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you ^jthis act of grace. 7 But as ^kyou excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you ^{▼▼Some manuscripts in your love for us}— ^msee that you excel in this act of grace also.

8 ⁿI say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ^othough he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich. 10 And in this matter ^pI give my judgment: ^qthis benefits you, who ^ra year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it. 11 So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have. 12 For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable ^saccording to what a person has, not according to what he does not have. 13 For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness 14 your abundance at the present time should supply ^ttheir need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.

2 Corinthians 9:2

2 for I know your readiness, ^uof which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready ^vsince last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.