2 Corinthians 8:1-5

Living Bible

8 Now I want to tell you what God in his grace has done for the churches in Macedonia.

² Though they have been going through much trouble and hard times, they have mixed their wonderful joy with their deep poverty, and the result has been an overflow of giving to others. ³ They gave not only what they could afford but far more; and I can testify that they did it because they wanted to and not because of nagging on my part. ⁴ They begged us to take the money so they could share in the joy of helping the Christians in Jerusalem. ⁵ Best of all, they went beyond our highest hopes, for their first action was to dedicate themselves to the Lord and to us, for whatever directions God might give to them through us.