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

Now concerning 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 willingness, about which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up the majority.

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.

Yet I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this respect, that, as I said, you may be ready;

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 if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you!) should be ashamed of this confident boasting.

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.

Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a grudging obligation. The Cheerful Giver

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 who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap 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.

So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves 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 toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for 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 has dispersed abroad, He has given to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

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.

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown 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.

while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, which causes thanksgiving through us 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 administration of this service not only supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to 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.

while, through the proof of this ministry, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal sharing with them and all men,

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

and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding grace of God in you.

15 T hank God for His great Gift.

Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!