2Corinthians 8:1-7 Reading
Excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving (vs 7, NIV).
2 Corinthians 8:1-8
[1]Our brothers and sisters, we want you to know what God’s grace has accomplished in the churches in Macedonia.
[2]They have been severely tested by the troubles they went through; but their joy was so great that they were extremely generous in their giving, even though they are very poor.
[3]I can assure you that they gave as much as they could, and even more than they could. Of their own free will
[4]they begged us and pleaded for the privilege of having a part in helping God’s people in Judea.
[5]It was more than we could have hoped for! First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God’s will they gave themselves to us as well.
[6]So we urged Titus, who began this work, to continue it and help you complete this special service of love.
[7]You are so rich in all you have: in faith, speech, and knowledge, in your eagerness to help and in your love for us. And so we want you to be generous also in this service of love.
[8]I am not laying down any rules. But by showing how eager others are to help, I am trying to find out how real your own love is.