2 Corinthians 9

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

But there is no need for me to say anything in my letter about the giving to the saints:

2 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.

For I have before made clear to those of Macedonia my pride in your ready mind, saying to them that Achaia has been ready for a year back; and a great number have been moved to do the same by your example.

3 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.

But I have sent the brothers, so that the good things we said about you may be seen to be true, and that, as I said, you may be ready:

4 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.

For fear that, if any from Macedonia come with me, and you are not ready, we (not to say, you) might be put to shame in this thing.

5 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.

So it seemed to me wise for the brothers to go before, and see that the amount which you had undertaken to give was ready, so that it might be a cause for praise, and not as if we were making profit out of you.

6 Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

But in the Writings it says, He who puts in only a small number of seeds, will get in the same; and he who puts them in from a full hand, will have produce in full measure from them.

7 Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

Let every man do after the purpose of his heart; not giving with grief, or by force: for God takes pleasure in a ready giver.

8 And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.

And God is able to give you all grace in full measure; so that ever having enough of all things, you may be full of every good work:

9 As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” (aiōn g165)

As it is said in the Writings, He has sent out far and wide, he has given to the poor; his righteousness is for ever. (aiōn g165)

10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your store of seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.

And he who gives seed for putting into the field and bread for food, will take care of the growth of your seed, at the same time increasing the fruits of your righteousness;

11 You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.

Your wealth being increased in everything, with a simple mind, causing praise to God through us.

12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

For this work of giving not only takes care of the needs of the saints, but is the cause of much praise to God;

13 Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

For when, through this work of giving, they see what you are, they give glory to God for the way in which you have given yourselves to the good news of Christ, and for the wealth of your giving to them and to all;

14 And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

While their hearts go out to you in love and in prayer for you, because of the great grace of God which is in you.

15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!

Praise be to God for what he has given, which words have no power to say.