1 We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given to the churches of Macedonia. 2 During a great test of affliction, the abundance of their joy and the extremity of their poverty have produced great riches of generosity. 3 For I bear witness that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond what they were able, and of their own free will, 4 they urgently pleaded with us for the privlege of sharing in this ministry to the believers. 5 This did not happen as we had expected. Instead, they first gave themselves to the Lord. Then they gave themselves to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus, who had already begun this task, to complete among you this act of grace. 7 But you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us. So also make sure that you excel in this act of grace. [a] 8 I say this not as a command. Instead, I say this in order to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it to the eagerness of other people. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though he was rich, for your sakes he became poor, so that through his poverty you might become rich. 10 In this matter I will give you advice that will help you. One year ago, you not only started to do something, but you desired to do it. 11 Now finish it. Just as there was an eagerness and desire to do it then, may you also bring it to completion, as much as you can. 12 For if you are eager to do this deed, it is a good and acceptable thing. It must be based on what a person has, not on what he does not have. 13 For this task is not in order that others may be relieved and you may be burdened. Instead, there should be fairness. 14 Your abundance at the present time will supply what they need. This is also so that their abundance may supply your need, and so that there may be fairness. 15 It is as it is written: