Quotes About Community

For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,

they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.

So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.

And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.

It is not our intention that others may be relieved while you are burdened, but that there may be equality.

At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.

As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”

But thanks be to God, who put into the heart of Titus the same devotion I have for you.

For not only did he welcome our appeal, but he is eagerly coming to you of his own volition.

And we are sending along with them our brother whose earnestness has been proven many times and in many ways, and now even more so by his great confidence in you.

As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, to the glory of Christ.

In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.

Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said.

Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the bountiful gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.

Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.