1 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia:
2 that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and atheir deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality.
3 For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, theywere freely willing,
4 imploring us with much urgency1 that we would receive the gift and athe fellowship of the ministering to the saints.
5 And not only as we had hoped, but they first agave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the bwill of God.
6 So awe urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well.
7 But as ayou abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—seebthat you abound in this grace also.
Christ Our Pattern
8aI speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others.
9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, athat though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, that you through His poverty might become brich.
Our joy through trials is a result of suffering for Christ's sake. Of the persecution we must endure, Jesus says, "Rejoice in that day and leap for joy!" (Luke 6:23). Through the Holy Spirit, God gives us His gift of joy as part of the process of spiritual completion.
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