God Loves a Cheerful Giver
(1 Corinthians 16:1–4)

1For indeed concerning the ministry which is to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you. 2For I know your promptitude, of which I am boasting to the Macedonians in your behalf, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has aroused many. 3But I sent the brethren, in order that our boasting which is in your behalf may not be in vain in this region; in order that, as I was saying, your were ready: 4lest perhaps, if the Macedonians may come with me, and find you unprepared, we may be put to shame, in this confidence, (that we may say not, you). 5Therefore I considered it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they may come to you beforehand, and perfect your preannounced benefaction, that it may be ready, as a benefaction, not as a stingy contribution.

6But it is this, he that soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully. 7As each one has predetermined in his heart; not of reluctance, or of constraint: for God loves the hilarious giver. 8But God is able to make all grace abound unto you; in order that, always having all sufficiency in every thing, you may abound unto every good work: as has been written,

9He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor; his righteousness abides forever.

10But he that gives seed to the sower, will also give bread to the eater, and multiply your sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness: 11in every thing being enriched in all purity, which works out through us thanksgiving to God. 12Because the ministry of this free-will offering is not only supplying the deficiencies of the saints, but also superabounding through much thanksgiving to God; 13through the approval of this ministry, glorifying God in the submission of your testimony to the gospel of Christ, and the purity of your fellowship unto them and unto all; 14and through their prayer in your behalf, earnestly longing to see you on account of the grace of God superabounding unto you. 15Thanks be unto God for His unspeakable gift.