⁷ But since you excel in everything^(A)—in faith, in speech, in knowledge,^(B) in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you^[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

⁸ I am not commanding you,^(C) but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others. ⁹ For you know the grace^(D) of our Lord Jesus Christ,^(E) that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor,^(F) so that you through his poverty might become rich.^(G)

¹¹ Now finish the work, so that your eager willingness^(A) to do it may be matched by your completion of it, according to your means. ¹² For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has,^(B) not according to what one does not have.