2 Corinthians 9

1Now it is unnecessary for me to write to you about the ministry to the saints,

2for I know your eagerness, and I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.

3But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter will not prove empty, and so that you will be ready, as I said you would be.

4Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find that you are not ready, we—not to mention you—would be put to shame for being so confident.

5So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift you promised, so that it may be ready as a willing gift and not as something extracted from you.

6The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

7Each of you should give as you have decided in your heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

8And God is able to make all grace overflow to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you may overflow in every good work.

9As it is written, “He has scattered his gifts, he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”

10Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and will increase the harvest of your righteousness.

11You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous in every way, and through us your generosity will produce thanksgiving to God.

12For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.

13Because of the proof that this ministry gives, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your sharing with them and with everyone.

14And in their prayers for you they will long for you because of the surpassing grace of God that is on you.

15Thanks be to God for his gift, which is beyond words!