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¹Moreover, brothers, we make known to you the grace of God which has been given in the assemblies of Macedonia;

²how that in much proof of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded to the riches of their liberality.

³For according to their power, I testify, yes and beyond their power, they gave of their own accord,

⁴begging us with much entreaty in regard to this grace and the fellowship in the service to the saints.

⁵This was not as we had hoped, but first they gave their own selves to the Lord, and to us through the will of God.

⁶Insomuch that we exhorted Titus, that as he made a beginning before, so he would also complete in you this grace.

⁷But as you abound in everything, in faith, utterance, knowledge, all earnestness, and in your love to us, see that you also abound in this grace.

⁸I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.

⁹For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that you through his poverty might become rich.

¹⁰I give a judgment in this: for this is expedient for you, who were the first to start a year ago, not only to do, but also to be willing.

¹¹But now complete the doing also, that as there was the readiness to be willing, so there may be the completion also out of your ability.

¹²For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what you have, not according to what you don`t have.