VIN(i)
4 urgently pleading with us for the privilege of sharing in the relief of the saints.
5 and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God;
6 So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, he would also complete in you this work of grace.
7 But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
8 I am not speaking this as a command, but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.
10 And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.
11 Now finish the work, so that your readiness to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means.
12 For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.
13 It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.
14 At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.
15 as it is written: “He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little.”