8 I am not ordering you to do this. I am simply testing how real your love is by comparing it with the concern that others have shown.
9 You know our Lord Jesus Christ treated us with undeserved grace by giving up all his riches, so you could become rich.
10 A year ago you were the first ones to give, and you gave because you wanted to. So listen to my advice.
11 I think you should finish what you started. If you give according to what you have, you will prove you are as eager to give as you were to think about giving.
12 It doesn't matter how much you have. What matters is how much you are willing to give from what you have.
13 I am not trying to make life easier for others by making life harder for you. But it is only fair
14 for you to share with them when you have so much, and they have so little. Later, when they have more than enough, and you are in need, they can share with you. Then everyone will have a fair share,