2 Corinthians 9
1 I really don't need to write to you about this offering for God's people.
NOW concerning the contribution for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto 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 of mind, for which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia had made preparation a year ago; and your zeal hath stirred up very 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 have sent the brethren, that our glorying in you might not be vain in this matter; that as I have said, ye 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 haply if the Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say, you) may be confounded in this confidence of boasting. I
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.
have thought it necessary therefore to exhort the brethren, that they would go before unto you, and prepare before your promised bounty, that it may be ready as a matter of bounty, and not as extorted of covetousness.
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 this I add, He that soweth sparingly, shall reap also sparingly, and he that soweth bountifully, shall reap also 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 every man, as he hath purposed in heart, give, not with reluctance or of necessity; for God loveth 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 towards you; that in every case having always all sufficiency, ye may abound unto every good work:
as it is written, “He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness abideth for ever.” (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 that supplieth seed to the sower, shall also supply bread for food, and multiply your seed sown, 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.
being in every thing enriched unto all liberality, which causeth by 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.
For the ministration of this charitable service not only abundantly supplies the deficiencies of the saints, but also overflows with 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.
(while by the evidence of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberality towards them, and towards all men; )
14 They will pray for you with much fondness because of God's abundant grace working through you.
and with their prayers for you, greatly longing after you, on account of the transcendent 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 inexpressible gift.
