2 Corinthians 9

Cheerful Giving

1 Listen, I do not even need to keep reminding you all about helping out the saints.

2 I know you all are ready to give, and I been bragging about you to the Macedonians, telling them how you all in Achaia have been ready since last year. Your passion got them hyped up too.

3 But I am sending the brothers so my bragging will not be for nothing, and so you all will be ready just like I said.

4 If some Macedonians roll up with me and find you all are not ready, that would be embarrassing, for both you all and me, after all that hype.

5 So I thought it would be good to ask these brothers to go on ahead to you and make sure the gift you all promised is ready. That way, it will be a real gift, not something you gave reluctantly.

6 Remember this: whoever sows a little, reaps a little. Whoever sows a lot, reaps a lot.

7 Each person should give what they decided in their heart, not reluctantly or because they feel forced, because God loves when you give cheerfully.

8 And God got you, He will bless you so you always have everything you need, and enough to share for every good work.

9 Like it says in Scripture, “He has given freely to the poor; His goodness lasts forever.”

10 Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the fruits of your righteousness.

11 You will be blessed in every way so you can be generous on every occasion. And through us, your generosity will lead to people thanking God.

12 This service y’all are doing is not just helping those in need; it is also making people give thanks to God.

13 Because of this act of service, they are going to praise God for the obedience that comes from your confession of the gospel and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.

14 And their hearts are with you, praying for you because of the incredible grace God has given you.

15 Thank God for His gift, too incredible to even put into words!