Bible Verses About Emulation: General references

Now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia.

In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,

they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.

So we urged Titus to help complete your act of grace, just as he had started it.

But just as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness, and in the love we inspired in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving.

I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.

Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said.

Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the bountiful gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.