2 Corinthians 9

For concerning the ministry {that is} to the saints, it is excessive for me to write to you.

For I know your readiness, {of} which I boast to the Macedonians concerning you, that Achaia has been ready since last year, and your zeal stirred up most {of them}. \*

But I sent the brothers so that our boasting which {is} about you might not be futile in this matter {and} so that you might be ready, as I was saying.

Otherwise, if Macedonians might come with me and might find you unprepared, we would be ashamed—not to mention you—by this situation.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers that they should go to you beforehand and prepare in advance this promised blessing of yours, to be ready in this way as a blessing and not as something forced. \*

Now this {I say}: the one sowing sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one sowing in blessings will also reap in blessings.

{Let} each one {give} just as he has decided beforehand in his heart, not from sorrow or from compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. \*

And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in everything, always, having all sufficiency, you may abound in every good work.

Just as it is written: “He distributed {alms}, he gave to the poor, his righteousness endures to eternity.” \*

Now the one supplying seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and will increase the fruits of your righteousness,

in every way being enriched for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us, \*

because the ministry of this service not only is fully supplying the needs of the saints but is also abounding with many thanksgivings to God.

Through the proof of this ministry, they are glorifying God on the basis of the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ and the generosity of the fellowship toward them and toward everyone,

and in their prayer on your behalf, longing for you because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.

Thanks {be} to God for his indescribable gift! \*