2 Corinthians: Chapter 9
1. It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you
concerning the service to the saints,
2. for I know your readiness, of which I boast on
your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year
past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them.
3. But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on
your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may
be prepared,
4. so that I won't by any means, if there come with
me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) should
be disappointed in this confident boasting.
5. I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the
brothers that they would go before to you, and arrange ahead of time the
generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a
matter of generosity, and not of greediness.
6. Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also
reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7. Let each man give according as he has determined
in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful
giver.
8. And God is able to make all grace abound to you,
that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good
work.
9. As it is written, "He has scattered abroad,
he has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever." {Psalm 112:9}
10. Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and
bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the
fruits of your righteousness;
11. you being enriched in everything to all
liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.
12. For this service of giving that you perform not
only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through many givings
of thanks to God;
13. seeing that through the proof given by this
service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News
of Christ, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all;
14. while they themselves also, with supplication on
your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15. Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!