Motivations for Giving

1Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you. 2For I know your eagerness, and I boast about you to the Macedonians,a “Achaiab has been ready since last year,” and your zealc has stirred up most of them.d 3But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter would not prove empty, and so that you would be ready just as I said. 4Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be put to shame in that situation.A 5Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gifta you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.b

6The point is this:A The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. 7Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God lovesa a cheerful giver. 8And God is ablea to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. 9As it is written:

He distributed freely;a

he gave to the poor;

his righteousness endures forever.b c

10Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.a 11You will be enricheda in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12For the ministry of this servicea is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generositya in sharing with them and with everyone. 14And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. 15Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!