³ For I testify that they gave as much as they were able,^(A) and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own,

⁵ And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

⁶ So we urged^(A) Titus,^(B) just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion^(C) this act of grace on your part. ⁷ But since you excel in everything^(D)—in faith, in speech, in knowledge,^(E) 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,^(F) but I want to test the sincerity of your love by comparing it with the earnestness of others.

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.

¹³ Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality. ¹⁴ At the present time your plenty will supply what they need,^(C) so that in turn their plenty will supply what you need. The goal is equality, ¹⁵ as it is written: “The one who gathered much did not have too much, and the one who gathered little did not have too little.”^[a](D)

Treasures in Heaven^(A)

¹⁹ “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth,^(B) where moths and vermin destroy,^(C) and where thieves break in and steal. ²⁰ But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven,^(D) where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.^(E)

⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food^(C) will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.^{(D) 11} You will be enriched^(E) in every way so that you can be generous^(F) on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.^(G)

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs^(H) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.^{(I) 13} Because of the service^(J) by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God^(K) for the obedience that accompanies your confession^(L) of the gospel of Christ,^(M) and for your generosity^(N) in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴ And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God^(O) for his indescribable gift!^(P)