008:005 They not only did this, as we had expected, but first of all in obedience to God's will they gave their own selves to the Lord and to us. 008:006 This led us to urge Titus that, as he had previously been the one who commenced the work, so he should now go and complete 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; 008:017 for Titus welcomed our request, and, being thoroughly in earnest, comes to you of his own free will. 008:018 And we send with him the brother whose praises for his earnestness in proclaiming the Good News are heard throughout all the Churches. 008:019 And more than that, he is the one who was chosen by the vote of the Churches to travel with us, sharing our commission in the administration of this generous gift to promote the Lord's glory and gratify our own strong desire. 008:020 For against one thing we are on our guard--I mean against blame being thrown upon us in respect to these large and liberal contributions which are under our charge. 008:021 For we seek not only God's approval of our integrity, but man's also.