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

For, indeed, concerning the ministration that for 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 have known your readiness of mind, which in your behalf I boast of to Macedonians, that Achaia hath been prepared a year ago, and the zeal of you did stir up the more part,

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.

and I sent the brethren, that our boasting on your behalf may not be made vain in this respect; that, according as I said, ye 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 Macedonians may come with me, and find you unprepared, we -- we may be put to shame (that we say not -- ye) in this same confidence of 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.

Necessary, therefore, I thought to exhort the brethren, that they may go before to you, and may make up before your formerly announced blessing, that this be ready, as a blessing, and not as covetousness.

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.

And this: He who is sowing sparingly, sparingly also shall reap; and he who is sowing in blessings, in blessings also shall reap;

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.

each one, according as he doth purpose in heart, not out of sorrow or out of necessity, for a cheerful giver doth God love,

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 able all grace to cause to abound to you, that in every thing always all sufficiency having, ye may abound to every good work,

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

(according as it hath been written, `He dispersed abroad, he gave to the poor, his righteousness doth remain to the age,')

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 may He who is supplying seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed 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.

in every thing being enriched to all liberality, which doth work 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.

because the ministration of this service not only is supplying the wants of the saints, but is also 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.

through the proof of this ministration glorifying God for the subjection of your confession to the good news of the Christ, and the liberality of the fellowship to them and to all,

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

and by their supplication in your behalf, longing after you because of the exceeding grace of God upon you;

15 T hank God for His great Gift.

thanks also to God for His unspeakable gift!