1 "Moreover,
brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches
of Macedonia: 2 that in a great trial of affliction
the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded in the riches
of their liberality. 3 For I bear witness that according to their ability,
yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, 4 imploring
us with much urgency that we would receive the gift and the fellowship
of the ministering to the saints. 5 And not only
as we had hoped, but they first gave themselves to the Lord, and then
to us by the will of God. 6 So we urged Titus,
that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as
well. 7 But as you abound in everything—in faith,
in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see
that you abound in this grace also."