2 Corinthians 9
1 I really don't need to write to you about this offering for God's people.
It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints,
2 I know how keen you are to help—I was boasting about this to those in Macedonia that you in Achaia have been ready for over a year, and your enthusiasm has encouraged many of them to give.
for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.
3 But I'm sending these brothers so that my boasting about you regarding this won't be proved wrong, and that you're prepared, just as I said you would be.
But I have sent the brothers so that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared,
4 This is just in case some Macedonians should come with me and find you unprepared. We, not to mention you, would be really embarrassed if this project failed!
lest by any means, if anyone from Macedonia comes there with me and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) would be disappointed in this confident boasting.
5 That's why I decided I should ask these brothers to visit you in advance, and complete the arrangements to collect this offering, so that it would be ready as a gift, and not as something demanded.
I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness.
6 I want to remind you of this: If you only sow a little, you'll only reap a little; if you sow plenty, you'll reap plenty.
Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7 Everybody should give as they've already decided—not reluctantly, or because they have to, for God loves those who give with a cheerful spirit.
Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 God is able to graciously provide you with everything, so that you will always have all you need—with plenty to help others too.
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work.
As it is written, "He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains for the age (aiōn g165)."
10 God, who provides seed to the sower and gives bread for food, will provide and multiply your “seed” and increase your harvest of generosity.
Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness,
11 You will be made rich in every way so that you can always be very generous, and your generosity will lead others to be grateful to God.
you being enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.
12 When you serve in this way, not only are the needs of God's people met, but also many will give grateful thanks to God.
For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God,
13 By giving this offering you show your true nature, and those who receive it will thank God for your obedience, since it shows your commitment to the good news of Christ and your generosity in giving to them and everyone else.
seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all,
14 They will pray for you with much fondness because of God's abundant grace working through you.
while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thank God for his gift that is far greater than words can express!
Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
