⁸ I am not saying this as a command [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the enthusiasm of others, the sincerity of your love as well. ⁹ For you are recognizing [more clearly] the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ [His astonishing kindness, His generosity, His gracious favor], that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that by His poverty you might become rich (abundantly blessed). ¹⁰ I give you my opinion in this matter: this is to your advantage, who were the first to begin a year ago not only to take action [to help the believers in Jerusalem], but also [the first] to desire to do it. ¹¹ So now finish this, so that your eagerness in desiring it may be equaled by your completion of it, according to your ability. ¹² For if the eagerness [to give] is there, it is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have. ¹³ For it is not [intended] that others be relieved [of their responsibility] and that you be ^[a]burdened [unfairly], but ^[b]that there be equality [in sharing the burden]— ¹⁴ at this present time your surplus [over necessities] is going to supply their need, so that [at some other time] their surplus may be given to supply your need, that there may be equality;