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Going from Greedy to Generous

¹ Now listen to this, cowboys. Y'all ain't going to believe what God has done for all the outfits in Macedonia. ² These cowboys have been tested to the limit. They were in one wreck after another. These cowboys didn't have two halters between them, but they were happy riding for the brand. This type of elation led them to go from greedy to generous. ³ They didn't just give a little of what they had. They gave more'n what they could actually afford. It wasn't because anyone asked them to do it, either. It was their idea and the result was astonishing joy on their part. ⁴ They rode up to me every single day and asked—they actually begged me to take their offering so it could help others ride for the brand. ⁵ But the most astonishing part wasn't the money. Before they gave the money, they gave themselves wholeheartedly. If you're looking for what God wants from his cowboys, this is it!

⁶ So we've sent Titus back to you to give you a hand in this. He's the one who taught y'all about the need for giving and he'll help you finish your training by going out and doing it. ⁷ Y'all are top hands in many ways—faith, speaking, knowledge, being neighborly, and loving folks. Now I want you to become top hands in giving.

⁸ This ain't a command from me. It's a test. Money is usually the last thing people will part with and I want to see if y'all are as good at giving as the other outfits are. They give eagerly, not with some sort of forced obedience. ⁹ Not that I need to remind you, but Jesus gave us his riches and became poor for your sake. He gave up everything he had so you could have it instead.

¹⁰ Here's what I think, y'all need to finish what you started last year. Y'all were the first to talk about taking up an offering. ¹¹ Now, finish what you started. Don't be all talk and no walk. Y'all said you were eager to give, now prove it. ¹² The amount doesn't matter as much as the willingness to, but be sure you are giving in proportion to what you have. The trick is to concentrate on how much you have to give, not how much you'll have left after you do. ¹³ Your gifts aren't supposed to make your life hard and other cowboy's lives easier. It's a way of offering a leg up to someone in need and you know that one day the tables might be turned. ¹⁴ I know right now you've got some cash laying around you could help with. Who knows? One day it might be you who's in need. ¹⁵ Remember, the Good Book says, "Those who hoarded had nothing, but those who gathered just what they needed had enough."

Titus and His Pards

¹⁶ I'm thankful God put y'all on Titus's heart just like y'all are on mine. ¹⁷ I talked to him about what I'm asking for and he's agreed to come help. He wants to see y'all again. ¹⁸ We are sending a top hand with Titus to help. He's known to all the outfits and is always eager to share the good news while serving in any way he can. ¹⁹ He will also be riding with us when we deliver your offering to Jerusalem. This will bring glory to God and show how much we want to help others.

²⁰ We aren't going to take any chances with our reputation regarding the money. ²¹ We will do what is right. We will do what the Lord says is right. And we will do what the people say is right.

²² There will be another cowboy who rides with us also. He's also a top hand and wants to serve God and y'all. This fellow has proven himself time and time again. When he heard what y'all were going to do, he wanted in.

²³ If anyone has any questions about Titus, you tell him he's my pard. He's working right alongside me in this mission to help you. The other boys are sent from the other outfits and they bring honor to Christ with them. ²⁴ Show these guys your love and prove to the other outfits that you'll do what you said you would do.