1It is not necessary for me to write to you concerning the ministry that is for the saints; 2Because I know your willingness, for which I have boasted of you to the Macedonians-- that Achaia was prepared a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up a greater number to participate. 3But I sent the brethren ahead, so that our boasting about you might not be made void in this respect, and that, according as I had said, you may be ready; 4Lest perhaps, if some of the Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (in order that we may not say "you") might be put to shame by this confident boasting. 5Therefore, I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go ahead of us to you, and to complete the preparations of this your bounty beforehand, since you had already proclaimed a willingness; so that it might be received as a blessing, and not as it were of covetousness.

6But this I say: the one who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and the one who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. 7Each one as he purposes in his heart, so let him give, but not grudgingly or by compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8For God is able to make all grace abound toward you so that in every way you may always have sufficiency in all things, and may abound unto every good work,

9According as it is written: "He has scattered abroad, and he has given to the poor; his righteousness remains forever."

10Now may He Who supplies seed to the sower, and bread to eat, supply your seed and multiply your sowing; and may He increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11So that you may in every way be enriched unto all bountifulness, which causes thanksgiving to God through us. 12For the administration of this service is not only filling to overflowing the deficiencies of the saints, but is also abounding by the giving of many thanks to God. 13Through the performance of this service, they are glorifying God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of the distribution toward them and toward all the saints; 14And in their supplications for you, there is a longing on your behalf, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you. 15Now thanks be to God for His indescribable free gift.