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.
19. He was also chosen by the churches to go with us as we bring the offering. We are in charge of it. We want to honor the Lord himself. We want to show how ready we are to help.
20. We want to keep anyone from blaming us for how we take care of that large gift.
21. We are trying hard to do what is right in the Lord's eyes and in the eyes of people.
22. We are also sending another one of our brothers with them. He has often proved to us in many ways that he is very committed. He is now even more committed because he has great faith in you.
23. Titus is my helper. He and I work together among you. Our brothers are messengers from the churches. They honor Christ.