June 18, 2013, Reading

Second Corinthians 8:1-9

1 Next, brothers, we will tell you of the grace of God which has been granted to the churches of Macedonia,

2 and how, throughout continual ordeals of hardship, their unfailing joy and their intensepoverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

3 I can testify that it was of their own accord that they made their gift, which was not merely as far as their resources would allow, but well beyond their resources;

4 and they had kept imploring us most insistently for the privilege of a share in the fellowship of service to God’s holy people-

5 it was not something that we expected of them, but it began by their offering themselves to the Lord and to us at the prompting of the will of God.

6 In the end we urged Titus, since he had already made a beginning, also to bring this work of generosity to completion among you.

7 More, as you are rich in everything-faith, eloquence, understanding, concern for everything, and love for us too — then make sure that you excel in this work of generosity too.

8 I am not saying this as an order, but testing the genuineness of your love against the concern of others.

9 You are well aware of the generosity which our Lord Jesus Christ had, that, although he was rich, he became poor for your sake, so that you should become rich through his poverty.


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