Therefore I thought it necessary to [a]exhort the brethren to go to you ahead of time, and prepare your generous gift beforehand, which you had previously promised, that it may be ready as a matter of generosity and not as a [b]grudging obligation.

The Cheerful Giver

(A)But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows [c]bountifully will also reap [d]bountifully. So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, (B)not grudgingly or of [e]necessity; for (C)God loves a cheerful giver.

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Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 9:5 encourage
  2. 2 Corinthians 9:5 Lit. covetousness
  3. 2 Corinthians 9:6 with blessings
  4. 2 Corinthians 9:6 with blessings
  5. 2 Corinthians 9:7 compulsion

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers(A) to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift,(B) not as one grudgingly given.(C)

Generosity Encouraged

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.(D) Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,(E) not reluctantly or under compulsion,(F) for God loves a cheerful giver.(G)

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