God Loves a Cheerful Giver

1For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the [†]saints; 2for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal stirred up most of them. 3But I have sent the brothers, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared; 4lest if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to speak of you—be put to shame in this certainty of ours. 5So I regarded it necessary to encourage the brothers that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised blessing, so that the same would be ready as a blessing and not as a [†]begrudging obligation.

6Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows with blessing will also reap with blessing. 7Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make every grace abound to you, so that in everything at every time having every sufficiency, you may have an abundance for every good deed; 9as it is written,

“HE SCATTERED ABROAD, HE GAVE TO THE NEEDY,

HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS [†]STANDS FOREVER.”

10Now He who supplies SEED TO THE SOWER AND BREAD FOR FOOD will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness; 11you will be enriched in everything for all generosity, which through us is bringing about thanksgiving to God. 12For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the [†]saints, but is also abounding through many thanksgivings to God. 13Because of the proven character given by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the [†]generosity of your [†]fellowship toward them and toward all, 14while they also, by prayer on your behalf, long for you because of the surpassing grace of God on you. 15[†]Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!