Now I want you to know, dear brothers and sisters, what God in his kindness has done through the churches in Macedonia. They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem. They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do. So we have urged Titus, who encouraged your giving in the first place, to return to you and encourage you to finish this ministry of giving. Since you excel in so many ways—in your faith, your gifted speakers, your knowledge, your enthusiasm, and your love from us—I want you to excel also in this gracious act of giving. I am not commanding you to do this. But I am testing how genuine your love is by comparing it with the eagerness of the other churches. You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich. Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it. Now you should finish what you started. Let the eagerness you showed in the beginning be matched now by your giving. Give in proportion to what you have. Whatever you give is acceptable if you give it eagerly. And give according to what you have, not what you don’t have.
Read 2 Corinthians 8
Listen to 2 Corinthians 8
Share
Compare All Versions: 2 Corinthians 8:1-12
3 Days
Tony Evans shares some insightful thoughts on the law of the harvest and the theology of IT. What you sow, you will also reap. Discover more in this three-day reading plan.
So many people in this modern culture are restless, unsatisfied, or simply stressed. We know God desires for us to be content in all circumstances, but finding true contentment can seem impossible! So, where do we find contentment? And how can we hold onto it when we do? Join Bible teacher Berni Dymet as he opens God’s Word to discover how you can get on the road to contentment.
Jesus made big promises to those who follow him: perfect peace, abiding joy, and supernatural power, but these promises often feel disconnected from our experience. How do we actually take ground in our spiritual growth? Pastor Justin Kendrick has written the book Bury Your Ordinary to teach seven spiritual habits that lead to explosive growth and how to develop them in your life. Dive into the fifth habit: Resources.
Struggling with whether to tithe while paying off debt? This 3-day plan explores God's ownership, biblical giving during hardship, and how to discern His direction for your specific financial situation.
Save verses, read offline, watch teaching clips, and more!
Home
Bible
Plans
Videos