Study Desk

When we arrived in Macedonia, there was no rest for us. We faced conflict from every direction, with battles on the outside and fear on the inside.

His presence was a joy, but so was the news he brought of the encouragement he received from you. When he told us how much you long to see me, and how sorry you are for what happened, and how loyal you are to me, I was filled with joy!

I am not sorry that I sent that severe letter to you, though I was sorry at first, for I know it was painful to you for a little while.

For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin and results in salvation. There's no regret for that kind of sorrow. But worldly sorrow, which lacks repentance, results in spiritual death.

My purpose, then, was not to write about who did the wrong or who was wronged. I wrote to you so that in the sight of God you could see for yourselves how loyal you are to us.

Now he cares for you more than ever when he remembers the way all of you obeyed him and welcomed him with such fear and deep respect.

For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.

They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem.

They even did more than we had hoped, for their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do.

You know the generous grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty he could make you rich.

Here is my advice: It would be good for you to finish what you started a year ago. Last year you were the first who wanted to give, and you were the first to begin doing it.

Of course, I don't mean your giving should make life easy for others and hard for yourselves. I only mean that there should be some equality.

But thank God! He has given Titus the same enthusiasm for you that I have.

We are traveling together to guard against any criticism for the way we are handling this generous gift.

I really don't need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem.

For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving.

You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. "For God loves a person who gives cheerfully."

For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you.

As a result of your ministry, they will give glory to God. For your generosity to them and to all believers will prove that you are obedient to the Good News of Christ.

And they will pray for you with deep affection because of the overflowing grace God has given to you.