Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

The generosity of the Macedonian churches

8 Let me tell you, my dear family, about the grace which God has given to the Macedonian churches. ² They have been sorely tested by suffering. But the abundance of grace which was given to them, and the depths of poverty they have endured, have overflowed in a wealth of sincere generosity on their part. ³ I bear them witness that of their own accord, up to their ability and even beyond their ability, ⁴ they begged us eagerly to let them have the privilege of sharing in the work of service for God’s people. ⁵ They didn’t just do what we had hoped; they gave themselves, first to the Lord, and then to us as God willed it. ⁶ This put us in a position where we could encourage Titus that he should complete this work of grace that he had begun among you. ⁷ You have plenty of everything, after all—plenty of faith, and speech, and knowledge, and all kinds of eagerness, and plenty of love coming from us to you; so why not have plenty of this grace too?