2 Corinthians 9
1 I really don't need to write to you about this offering for God's people.
For as touching the ministering 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 the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has provoked 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.
Yet have I sent the brothers, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf; that, as I said, you may be 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 haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, you) should be ashamed in this same 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.
Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brothers, that they would go before to you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof you had notice before, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as 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 say, He which sows sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which sows 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.
Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: 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 toward you; that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:
(As it is written, He has dispersed abroad; he has given to the poor: his righteousness remains 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 ministers seed to the sower both minister bread for your 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 enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causes 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.
For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by 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.
Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution to them, and to all men;
14 They will pray for you with much fondness because of God's abundant grace working through you.
And by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding 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 unspeakable gift.
