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

1Now concerning the relief intended for the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2for I know your readiness of mind, which I boast of concerning you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath excited many. 3But I have sent the brethren, that our boasting of you might not become vain in this respect, but that ye might be ready, as I had said: 4least if the Macedonians should come with me, and find you unprepared, we should be ashamed (not to say you also) in this confident boasting. 5Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go first to you, and before our coming to collect your bounty beforementioned, that it may be ready, as of munificence, and not of force.

6But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall also reap bountifully. 7Let every one give as he chuses in his own heart; not with reluctance, or constraint: for God loveth a chearful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound towards you; that having always all sufficiency in every thing, ye may abound in every good work:

9(as it is written, "He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor, his righteousness continueth for ever."

10And may He, who supplieth seed to the sower, and giveth bread for food, furnish and multiply your sowing, and increase the fruits of your bounty:) 11being in every thing enriched to all liberality, which produceth through us thanksgiving to God. 12For the ministration of this service not only supplieth the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also, through many thanksgivings, to the glory of God. 13(While from the experience of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection to the gospel of Christ, and the liberality of your communication to them, and to all men.) 14And in their prayer for you, who long after you because of the transcendent grace of God towards you. 15Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!