2 Corinthians 9
1 I really don't need to write to you about this offering for God's people.
Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary 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 readiness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your zeal has stirred up the majority.
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.
Still, I have sent the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter not prove to be empty, so that you may be ready, like 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!
—if any Macedonians were to go with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention, you!) would be put to shame by 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.
So I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go to you in advance and finish preparing the ‘blessing’ you had promised, that it be ready, representing generosity and not stinginess.
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.
Now then, 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 as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion; for God loves a glad 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.
Further, God is able to make all ‘grace’ abound toward you, that always having all sufficiency in everything you may abound to every good work—
as it is written: “He has distributed around, he has given 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.
yes, the One who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, so as to supply and multiply your seed for sowing and to increase the yield 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 so as to always be generous, which passing through us produces 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.
Because the administration of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings 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.
—on the basis of the proof that this service gives, they are glorifying God for the obedience of your confession into the Gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your sharing with them and everybody—
14 They will pray for you with much fondness because of God's abundant grace working through you.
and in their prayer for you, longing for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you.
15 Thank God for his gift that is far greater than words can express!
Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
