Motivations for Giving

9 Now concerning the ministry to the * saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you. 2 For I know your eagerness, and I brag about you to the Macedonians: u v “Achaia w x has been prepared since last year,” and your zeal y has stirred up most of them. z 3 But 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. 4 For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be embarrassed in that situation. a 5 Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift b you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion. c

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

He scattered; g

He gave to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever. h i

10 Now 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. j 11 You will be enriched k in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us.