9. You know the grace shown by our Lord Jesus Christ. Even though he was rich, he became poor to help you. Because he became poor, you can become rich.
10. Here is my advice about what is best for you in that matter. Last year you were the first to give. You were also the first to want to give.
11. So finish the work. Then your longing to do it will be matched by your finishing it. Give on the basis of what you have.
12. Do you really want to give? Then the gift is received in keeping with what you have, not with what you don't have.
13. We don't want others to have it easy at your expense. We want things to be equal.
14. Right now you have plenty in order to take care of what they need. Then they will have plenty to take care of what you need. That will make things equal.
15. It is written, "Those who gathered a lot didn't have too much. And those who gathered a little had enough." (Exodus 16:18)
16. God put into the heart of Titus the same concern I have for you. I am thankful to God for this.
17. Titus welcomed our appeal. He is also excited about coming to you. It was his own idea.
18. Along with Titus, we are sending another brother. All the churches praise him for his service in telling the good news.