2 Corinthians 9
1 I really don't need to write to you about this offering for God's people.
Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.
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 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.
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 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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
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: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.
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.
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.
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, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.” (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 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.
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 will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.
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 ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving 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.
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.
14 They will pray for you with much fondness because of God's abundant grace working through you.
And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.
15 Thank God for his gift that is far greater than words can express!
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
