Therefore, though I might be very bold in Christ to order you to do what is fitting,

yet for love's sake I rather appeal to you; being such a one as Paul, the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ;

Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers of your joy; for by faith you stand.

not exercising dominion over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;

I know also, my God, that You examine the heart and take pleasure in uprightness. As for me, in the uprightness of my heart I have willingly offered all these things; and now with joy I have seen Your people who are found here, to offer willingly to You.

Your people shall be volunteers in the day of Your power; in the splendor of holiness, from the womb of the dawn, You have the dew of Your youth.

Who ever serves military duty at his own expense? Who plants a vineyard and does not eat of its fruit? Or who tends a flock and does not drink of the milk of the flock?

For if I do this willingly, I have a reward; but if against my will, I have been entrusted with a stewardship.

For if something is presented eagerly, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have.

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your bounty beforehand, which you had previously announced, that it may be ready as a blessing and not as greed.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not from sorrow or out of duty; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not eager for dishonest gain but with a ready mind;