2 Corinthians, 9
A further exhortation to almsgiving. The fruits of it.
[1] For concerning the ministry that is done towards the saints, it is superfluous for me to write unto you. •
[2] For I know your forward mind: for which I boast of you to the Macedonians, that Achaia also is ready from the year past. And your emulation hath provoked very many. •
[3] Now I have sent the brethren, that the thing which we boast of concerning you be not made void in this behalf, that (as I have said) you may be ready: •
[4] Lest, when the Macedonians shall come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to say ye) should be ashamed in this matter. •
[5] Therefore I thought it necessary to desire the brethren that they would go to you before and prepare this blessing before promised, to be ready, so as a blessing, not as covetousness. •
[6] Now this I say: He who soweth sparingly shall also reap sparingly: and he who soweth in blessings shall also reap blessings.
[7] Every one as he hath determined in his heart, not with sadness or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. •
[8] And God is able to make all grace abound in you: that ye always, having all sufficiently in all things, may abound to every good work, •
[9] As it is written: He hath dispersed abroad, he hath given to the poor: his justice remaineth for ever. •
[10] And he that ministereth seed to the sower will both give you bread to eat and will multiply your seed and increase the growth of the fruits of your justice: •
[11] That being enriched in all things, you may abound unto all simplicity which worketh through us thanksgiving to God.
[12] Because the administration of this office doth not only supply the want of the saints, but aboundeth also by many thanksgivings in the Lord. •
[13] By the proof of this ministry, glorifying God for the obedience of your confession unto the gospel of Christ and for the simplicity of your communicating unto them and unto all. •
[14] And in their praying for you, being desirous of you, because of the excellent grace of God in you. •
[15] Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift. •