Now it is superfluous for me to write to you about the ministry to the saints,
for I know your eagerness, and I boast about you to the Macedonians, telling them that Achaia has been ready since last year; and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter may not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be.
For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed before them,
because this ministry of giving is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
But this I say: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work.
As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.”
Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us;
for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.
Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.
And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace of God that he has given you.
Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!
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