2 Corinthians 9
1 I really don't need to write to you about this offering for God's people.
For indeed concerning the ministry which is to the saints, it is superfluous 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 promptitude, of which I am boasting to the Macedonians in your behalf, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has aroused many.
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 sent the brethren, in order that our boasting which is in your behalf may not be in vain in this region; in order that, as I was saying, your were ready:
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 perhaps, if the Macedonians may come with me, and find you unprepared, we may be put to shame, in this confidence, (that we may say not, you).
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.
Therefore I considered it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they may come to you beforehand, and perfect your preannounced benefaction, that it may be ready, as a benefaction, not as a stingy contribution.
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.
But it is this, he that soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall 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.
As each one has predetermined in his heart; not of reluctance, or of constraint: for God loves the hilarious 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.
But God is able to make all grace abound unto you; in order that, always having all sufficiency in every thing, you may abound unto every good work: as has been written,
He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness abides 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.
But he that gives seed to the sower, will also give bread to the eater, and multiply your 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.
in every thing being enriched in all purity, which works out through us 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 ministry of this free-will offering is not only supplying the deficiencies of the saints, but also superabounding through much 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.
through the approval of this ministry, glorifying God in the submission of your testimony to the gospel of Christ, and the purity of your fellowship unto them and unto all;
14 They will pray for you with much fondness because of God's abundant grace working through you.
and through their prayer in your behalf, earnestly longing to see you on account of the grace of God superabounding unto you.
15 Thank God for his gift that is far greater than words can express!
Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.
