²² He also who had received two talents came and said, ‘Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.’

¹² For ^(A)if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

⁷ But as ^(A)you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see ^(B)that you abound in this grace also.

Christ Our Pattern

^8 (C)I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.

Excel in Giving

8 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: ² that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and ^(A)their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. ³ For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing,

⁶ Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is ^(A)given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, let us ^(B)prophesy in proportion to our faith; ⁷ or ministry, let us use it in our ministering; ^(C)he who teaches, in teaching; ^8 (D)he who exhorts, in exhortation; ^(E)he who gives, with liberality; ^(F)he who leads, with diligence; he who shows mercy, ^(G)with cheerfulness.

¹⁸ And the second came, saying, ‘Master, your mina has earned five minas.’ ¹⁹ Likewise he said to him, ‘You also be over five cities.’