2 During a severe testing by affliction, their abundance of joy and their deep poverty overflowed into the wealth of their generosity.
3 I testify that, on their own, according to their ability and beyond their ability,
4 they begged us insistently for the privilege of sharing in the ministry to the saints,
5 and not just as we had hoped. Instead, they gave themselves especially to the Lord, then to us by God’s will.
6 So we urged Titus that just as he had begun, so he should also complete this grace to you.
7 Now as you excel in everything — faith, speech, knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love for us — excel also in this grace.
8 I am not saying this as a command. Rather, by means of the diligence of others, I am testing the genuineness of your love.