Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

⁸ I am not saying that you must do it. But I want to prove how strong your love is. That is why I have told you how other people show their love.

⁹ You know how much love our Lord Jesus Christ had. He was rich, but he became poor for your sakes. Because he became poor, you can become rich.

¹⁰ I tell you what I think. It is best for you to finish what you started a year ago. You were the first to think of helping, and you started to give money.

¹¹ So now, finish doing it. You wanted to do it, so now finish it. Give as much as you can.

¹² If a man wants to give, he is judged by what he has to give. He is not judged by what he cannot give.

¹³ I do not want it to be easy for others and hard for you.

¹⁴ I want it to be equal for everyone. Right now, you have plenty and are able to help them. Another time, when they have plenty, they will help you when you need it. In that way things will be equal.

¹⁵ The holy writings say, `The person who had plenty did not have too much. And the person who did not have much, had enough.' care for you into the heart of Titus that I have.