1 I really don’t need to write to you about this ministry of giving for the believers in Jerusalem. 1 2 For I know how eager you are to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece 2 were ready to send an offering a year ago. In fact, it was your enthusiasm that stirred up many of the Macedonian believers to begin giving. 3 But I am sending these brothers to be sure you really are ready, as I have been telling them, and that your money is all collected. I don’t want to be wrong in my boasting about you. 4 We would be embarrassed - not to mention your own embarrassment - if some Macedonian believers came with me and found that you weren’t ready after all I had told them! 5 So I thought I should send these brothers ahead of me to make sure the gift you promised is ready. But I want it to be a willing gift, not one given grudgingly.