2 Corinthians 9
1 I really don't need to write to you about this offering for God's people.
For concerning 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 your readiness of mind, of which I boast in behalf of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was prepared a year ago; and your zeal stirred up the greater part of them.
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, that our boasting of you should not prove unfounded in this respect; that, as I 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, should the Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (not to say ye) should be put to shame in respect to this confidence.
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.
I thought it necessary therefore to exhort the brethren to go before to you, and make up beforehand your bounty, which was already announced, that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not 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 there is to say: 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.
Each one, as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, 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 every blessing abound toward you, that ye, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work;
as it is written: “He dispersed abroad, he gave to the poor; his righteousness remaineth 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 ministereth seed to the sower, and bread for food, will supply 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.
while ye are enriched in everything to all liberality, which worketh 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.
for the ministration of this service not only supplieth the wants of the saints, but also overfloweth through 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 proof afforded by this ministration they glorify God for your obedience to your profession in regard to the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution in regard to them and in regard to all;
14 They will pray for you with much fondness because of God's abundant grace working through you.
while with supplication for you they long after you on account of the exceeding grace of God to you.
15 Thank God for his gift that is far greater than words can express!
Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.
