Excel in Giving

8 Moreover, brethren, we make known to you the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia: ² that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and ^(A)their deep poverty abounded in the riches of their liberality. ³ For I bear witness that according to their ability, yes, and beyond their ability, they were freely willing, ⁴ imploring us with much urgency ^[a]that we would receive the gift and ^(B)the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. ⁵ And not only as we had hoped, but they first ^(C)gave themselves to the Lord, and then to us by the ^(D)will of God.

The Cheerful Giver

^6 (A)But this I say: He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows ^[a]bountifully will also reap ^[b]bountifully. ⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, ^(B)not grudgingly or of ^[c]necessity; for ^(C)God loves a cheerful giver. ^8 (D)And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, may have an abundance for every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now ^[d]may He who ^(F)supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, ^[e]supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your ^(G)righteousness, ¹¹ while you are enriched in everything for all liberality, ^(H)which causes thanksgiving through us to God. ¹² For the administration of this service not only ^(I)supplies the needs of the saints, but also is abounding through many thanksgivings to God, ¹³ while, through the proof of this ministry, they ^(J)glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal ^(K)sharing with them and all men, ¹⁴ and by their prayer for you, who long for you because of the exceeding ^(L)grace of God in you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God ^(M)for His indescribable gift!