2 They have been severely tested by the troubles they went through; but their joy was so great that they were extremely generous in their giving, even though they are very poor.
3 I can assure you that they gave as much as they could, and even more than they could. Of their own free will
4 they begged us and pleaded for the privilege of having a part in helping God's people in Judea.
5 It was more than we could have hoped for! First they gave themselves to the Lord; and then, by God's will they gave themselves to us as well.
6 So we urged Titus, who began this work, to continue it and help you complete this special service of love.
7 You are so rich in all you have: in faith, speech, and knowledge, in your eagerness to help and in your love for us. And so we want you to be generous also in this service of love.
8 I am not laying down any rules. But by showing how eager others are to help, I am trying to find out how real your own love is.