9
1 It
is indeed unnecessary
for me to
write to you
concerning the
service to
the saints,
2 for
I know your
readiness, of
which I boast
on your behalf
to those of
Macedonia, that Achaia
has been prepared
for the past year.
Your zeal has
stirred up very
many of them.
3 But
I have sent
the brothers so
that our boasting
on your behalf
may not be
in vain in
this respect, that,
just as I
said, you may
be prepared,
4 lest
by any means,
if anyone from
Macedonia comes
there with me
and finds
you unprepared, we (to
say nothing of
you) would be
disappointed in
this confident
boasting.
5 I
thought it
necessary therefore
to entreat
the brothers that
they would go
before to you
and arrange ahead
of time the generous
gift that you
promised before,
that the same
might be ready
as a matter
of generosity, and
not of greediness.
6 Remember this:
he who sows
sparingly will
also reap
sparingly. He who
sows bountifully
will also reap
bountifully.
7 Let
each man give
according as he
has determined in
his heart, not
grudgingly or
under compulsion, for
God loves a
cheerful giver.
8 And
God is able
to make all
grace abound to
you, that you,
always having
all sufficiency in
everything, may
abound to every
good work.
9 As
it is written,
“He has scattered
abroad. He has
given to the
poor.
His righteousness
remains forever.”
10 Now
may he who
supplies seed to
the sower and bread
for food, supply
and multiply your
seed for sowing,
and increase the
fruits of your
righteousness,
11 you
being enriched in
everything for
all generosity, which
produces thanksgiving
to God through
us.
12 For
this service of
giving that
you perform not
only makes up for
lack among
the saints, but abounds
also through much
giving of thanks
to God,
13 seeing
that through the
proof given by
this service, they
glorify God for
the obedience of
your confession to
the Good News
of Christ and
for the generosity
of your
contribution to
them and to
all,
14 while
they themselves also,
with supplication
on your behalf,
yearn for you
by reason of
the exceeding
grace of God
in you.
15 Now thanks
be to God
for his unspeakable
gift!