1For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you : 2for I know your readiness , of which I glory on your behalf to them of Macedonia , that Achaia hath been prepared for a year past; and your zeal hath stirred up very many of them . 3But I have sent the brethren , that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect ; that , even as I said , ye may be prepared : 4lest by any means , if there come with me any of Macedonia and find you unprepared, we ( that we say not , ye ) should be put to shame in this confidence . 5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brethren , that they would go before unto you , and make up beforehand your aforepromised bounty , that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty , and not of extortion.
God's Provision for Generosity
6But this I say , He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly ; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully . 7Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart : not grudgingly , or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver . 8And God is able to make all grace abound unto you ; that ye , having always all sufficiency in everything , may abound unto every good work : 9as it is written , He hath scattered abroad , he hath given to the poor ; His righteousness abideth for ever . 10And he that supplieth seed to the sower and bread for food , shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing , and increase the fruits of your righteousness :
The Impact of Generosity
11ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God . 12For the ministration of this service not only filleth up the measure of the wants of the saints, but aboundeth also through many thanksgivings unto God ; 13seeing that through the proving of you by this ministration they glorify God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ , and for the liberality of your contribution unto them and unto all ; 14while they themselves also , with supplication on your behalf , long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you . 15Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift .