2 Corinthians 9
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1It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints, 2for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to them of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for a year past. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them. 3But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared, 4lest by any means, if anyone from Macedonia comes there with me and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) would be disappointed in this confident boasting. 5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you, and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness. 6Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly, or under compulsion; for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. 9As it is written, “He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.” 10Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness; 11you being enriched in everything to all generosity, which produces through us thanksgiving to God. 12For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God; 13seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all; 14while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!
World English Bible (public domain)
“"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver."”
2 Corinthians 9:7
Summary
In 2 Corinthians chapter 9, Paul continues to discuss the collection for the saints in Jerusalem, encouraging the Corinthians to fulfill their previous commitment to give generously. Emphasizing the principles of sowing and reaping, he teaches that those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, but those who sow generously will reap generously. This chapter highlights the joy and spiritual reward of giving. Paul assures the Corinthians that God loves a cheerful giver and reminds them that God will provide all that is needed for those who give freely. The apostle underscores that generosity not only meets the needs of others but also results in thanksgiving and glory to God, enriching the givers in their righteousness. The chapter closes by pointing out that the Corinthians' generosity is a witness to their obedience to the gospel. Their giving serves as an encouragement to others, resulting in prayers and gratitude. Paul concludes by expressing thanks for God's indescribable gift, highlighting the grace of giving as inherently tied to the grace of God through Jesus Christ.
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