 1 Concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you. 2 For I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast about you to those of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago. Your zeal has provoked very many. 3 Yet I have sent the brothers so that our rejoicing+ in you might not be in vain in some respect, but so that you may indeed be ready, as has been said. 4 Lest perhaps if they of Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared, we should not be ashamed that we spoke with such confident boasting about you. 5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the family+ so that they would go to you before and make up your gift of blessing+ that you previously+ announced+ beforehand so that it might be ready as a blessing+ and not as covetousness. 6 Those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly and those who sow bountifully will also reap bountifully, 7 everyone giving as they purpose in their hearts, not complaining+ or out of necessity. For God loves a cheerful giver. 8 God is able to make all grace abound to you so that you always have sufficient and abound in every good work. 9 As it is written: He has dispersed abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever. Psalm 112:9 10 Now He who supplies+ seed to the sower and bread for your food, may He also multiply your seed sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness. 11 May you be enriched in everything to all bountifulness, thereby causing us even greater thanksgiving to God. 12 For the administration of this service not only supplies the needs+ of the saints, but is abundantly overflowing also in many thanksgivings to God. 13 Through the experience of this service, God is glorified by submissiveness+ that proclaims the Gospel of Christ by giving+ to Him and to all. 14 And their prayer for you longs for you to have the exceeding grace of God upon you. 15 Thanks be to God for His indescribable+ gift.
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