2 Corinthians 8

Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;

Dear friends, we want you to know about the generous blessings God has given to the churches in Macedonia.

How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.

Despite facing immense hardship, their joy overflowed and their extreme poverty led to a wealth of generosity.

For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves;

I can testify that they gave as much as they could, and even beyond their means, they willingly gave from their hearts.

Praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.

Pleading earnestly with us, they asked us to accept the gift and join in serving the saints with love and dedication.

And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.

Despite our expectations, they first dedicated themselves to God, then to us, following God's will, with a spirit of selflessness and devotion.

Insomuch that we desired Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also finish in you the same grace also.

So we urged Titus to complete in you the same act of kindness he had started, with the same passion and grace.

Therefore, as ye abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that ye abound in this grace also.

As you excel in faith, speech, knowledge, dedication, and love for us, ensure you also excel in showing kindness.

I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.

I'm not ordering you, but rather, inspired by others' enthusiasm, I'm testing the depth of your love.

For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich.

You understand the love of Jesus, right? Even though He was wealthy, He chose to live in poverty for us. His sacrifice was so we could be spiritually rich.

And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.

Here's my heartfelt advice: it's beneficial for you, who started not just doing, but also planning a year ago.

Now therefore perform the doing of it; that as there was a readiness to will, so there may be a performance also out of that which ye have.

So, go ahead and complete what you started with such enthusiasm; just as you were eager to plan it, be eager to follow through with action.

For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to that a man hath, and not according to that he hath not.

If you're eager and willing, you'll be valued for what you have, not for what you lack.

For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened:

I don't intend for others to relax while you carry all the weight.

But by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality:

In the spirit of fairness, let your current blessings help those in need, so that when they are blessed, they can help you in your time of need. This way, everyone experiences balance.

As it is written, He that had gathered much had nothing over; and he that had gathered little had no lack.

In the divine script, it says, those who collected plenty didn't have excess; and those who gathered a bit didn't face scarcity.

But thanks be to God, which put the same earnest care into the heart of Titus for you.

Gratitude to God, who instilled in Titus a deep love and concern for you.

For indeed he accepted the exhortation; but being more forward, of his own accord he went unto you.

Truly, he embraced the encouragement; but driven by his own passion, he willingly came to you.

And we have sent with him the brother, whose praise is in the gospel throughout all the churches;

We've sent along with him the brother whose dedication and faithfulness in the gospel is celebrated and admired by all the churches.

And not that only, but who was also chosen of the churches to travel with us with this grace, which is administered by us to the glory of the same Lord, and declaration of your ready mind:

Not only that, but he was also selected by the churches to journey with us, carrying the grace we distribute, all to honor our Lord and showcase your eager spirit.

Avoiding this, that no man should blame us in this abundance which is administered by us:

We strive to act with integrity, so no one can accuse us of mishandling the generous gifts we've been entrusted with.

Providing for honest things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men.

We take great care to do what is right, not only in the eyes of the Lord, but also in the eyes of people.

And we have sent with them our brother, whom we have oftentimes proved diligent in many things, but now much more diligent, upon the great confidence which I have in you.

We've sent our brother with them, a man who has repeatedly shown his dedication. Now, he's even more committed, fueled by the immense trust I have in you.

Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellowhelper concerning you: or our brethren be enquired of, they are the messengers of the churches, and the glory of Christ.

If anyone asks about Titus, know that he is my trusted ally and helper for your cause. And if our brothers are questioned, remember they are the faithful messengers of the churches, reflecting the radiant light of Christ.

Wherefore shew ye to them, and before the churches, the proof of your love, and of our boasting on your behalf.

Show them and all the churches the evidence of your love, and of our pride in you.