2 Corinthians 9

Motivations for Giving

9Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you. ²For I know your eagerness, and I brag about you to the Macedonians: ^uv“Achaia ^wxhas been prepared since last year,” and your zeal ^yhas stirred up most of them. ^z3But I sent the brothers so our boasting about you in the matter would not prove empty, and so you would be prepared just as I said. ⁴For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be embarrassed in that situation. ^a5Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift ^byou promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion. ^c

⁶Remember this: ^dThe person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves ^ea cheerful giver. ⁸And God is able ^fto make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. ⁹As it is written:

He scattered; ^g

He gave to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever. ^hi

¹⁰Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness. ^j11You will be enriched ^kin every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. ¹²For the ministry of this service ^lis not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. ¹³They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of ^mthe gospel of Christ, and for your generosity ⁿin sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service. ¹⁴And they will have deep affection for ^oyou in their prayers on your behalf because of the surpassing grace of God in you. ¹⁵Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.