2Corinthians:8:1-15

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* Moreover , brethren , we make known to you the charity of God , which is given by the congregations of Macedonia ; * that in a great trial of affliction , the abundance of their joy , and their extreme poverty , superabounded to the riches of their liberality : * that to their power , (I bear witness ,) yes , beyond their power , they were willing of themselves ; with much entreaty * requesting us to accept the charity and the participation of the service , which is for the saints . * Yes , beyond our expectations ; for they first gave themselves to the Lord , and to us through the will of God . * This moved us to entreat Titus , that as he had formerly begun , so he would also finish the same charity among you likewise . * Now as you abound in every gift , (in faith , and speech , and knowledge , and all diligence , and in your love to us ,) I wish that you may abound in this gift also . * I speak not this as an injunction , but on account of the diligence of others , and to prove the sincerity of your love . * (For you know the charity of our Lord Jesus Christ , that though he was rich , yet for your sake he became poor ; that you , through his poverty , might be rich .) * And in this I give my opinion , not only to do , but also to be willing since the last year . * At present , therefore , finish the doing of it ; that as there was a readiness to will ; so also let there be to finish , according to your ability . * For if there be a willing mind , according to what a person has , he is accepted ; and not according to what he has not . * However , I mean not that others should be eased and you distressed ; but on account of equality , * that now your abundance may be a supply for their want ; that again , their abundance may be a supply for your want ; that there may be an equality . * «As it is written ,» 'He who gathered much , had nothing over ; and he who gathered little , had no lack .'

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