5-7 This was totally spontaneous, entirely their own idea, and caught us completely off guard. What explains it was that they had first given themselves unreservedly to God and to us. The other giving simply flowed out of the purposes of God working in their lives. That’s what prompted us to ask Titus to bring the relief offering to your attention, so that what was so well begun could be finished up. You do so well in so many things—you trust God, you’re articulate, you’re insightful, you’re passionate, you love us—now, do your best in this, too.

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And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us. So we urged(A) Titus,(B) just as he had earlier made a beginning, to bring also to completion(C) this act of grace on your part. But since you excel in everything(D)—in faith, in speech, in knowledge,(E) in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you[a]—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 8:7 Some manuscripts and in your love for us