among you this act of beneficence also.
008:007 Yes, just as you are already very rich in faith, readiness of speech,
knowledge, unwearied zeal, and in the love that is in you,
implanted by us, see to it that this grace of liberal giving
also flourishes in you.
008:008 I am not saying this by way of command, but to test by the standard
of other men's earnestness the genuineness of your love also.
008:009 For you know the condescending goodness of our Lord Jesus Christ--
how for your sakes He became poor, though He was rich,
in order that you through His poverty might grow rich.
008:010 But in this matter I give you an opinion; for my doing this helps
forward your own intentions, seeing that not only have you
begun operations, but a year ago you already had the desire
to do so.
008:011 And now complete the doing also, in order that, just as there
was then the eagerness in desiring, there may now be
the accomplishment in proportion to your means.
008:012 For, assuming the earnest willingness, the gift is acceptable
according to whatever a man has, and not according to what
he has not.
008:013 I do not urge you to give in order that others may have relief
while you are unduly pressed,
008:014 but that, by equalization of burdens, your superfluity
having in the present emergency supplied their deficiency,
their superfluity may in turn be a supply for your deficiency
later on, so that there may be equalization of burdens.
008:015 Even as it is written, "He who gathered much had not too much,
and he who gathered little had not too little."
008:016 But thanks be to God that He inspires the heart of Titus
with the same deep interest in you;