1 I do not need to write to you about helping those who belong to Christ.

For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:

2 I know you want to do it. I have told the people in the country of Macedonia that you were ready to send money last year. Your desire has started most of them to give.

for 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.

3 I am sending these Christian brothers so the words I said about you will prove to be true and you will be ready to help.

But 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:

4 W hat if some of the people of Macedonia came with me and found you were not ready to send your gift of money? We would all be ashamed since we have talked of you so much.

lest 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.

5 T hat is why I asked these men to go ahead of me. They can see that the gift you promised is ready. In that way, it will be a true gift and not something you were made to do.

I 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.

6 R emember, the man who plants only a few seeds will not have much grain to gather. The man who plants many seeds will have much grain to gather.

But this I say, He that soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he that soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.

7 E ach man should give as he has decided in his heart. He should not give, wishing he could keep it. Or he should not give if he feels he has to give. God loves a man who gives because he wants to give.

Let each man do according as he hath purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.

8 G od can give you all you need. He will give you more than enough. You will have everything you need for yourselves. And you will have enough left over to give when there is a need.

And God is able to make all grace abound unto you; that ye, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound unto every good work:

9 T he Holy Writings say, “He has given much to the poor. His right-standing with God lasts forever.”

as it is written, He hath scattered abroad, he hath given to the poor; His righteousness abideth for ever.

10 I t is God Who gives seed to the man to plant. He also gives the bread to eat. Then we know He will give you more seed to plant and make it grow so you will have more to give away.

And 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:

11 G od will give you enough so you can always give to others. Then many will give thanks to God for sending gifts through us.

ye being enriched in everything unto all liberality, which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.

12 T his gift you give not only helps Christians who are in need, but it also helps them give thanks to God.

For 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;

13 Y ou are proving by this act of love what you are. They will give thanks to God for your gift to them and to others. This proves you obey the Good News of Christ.

seeing 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;

14 T hey will pray for you with great love because God has given you His loving-favor.

while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you.

15 T hank God for His great Gift.

Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.