2 Corinthians 9  Holman Christian Standard Bible

Motivations for Giving

9 Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you. ² For I know your eagerness, and I brag about you to the Macedonians:^[a](A) “Achaia^[b](B) has been prepared since last year,” and your zeal^(C) has stirred up most of them.^{(D) 3} But I sent the brothers so our boasting about you in the matter would not prove empty, and so you would be prepared just as I said. ⁴ For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be embarrassed in that situation.^{[c] 5} Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift^(E) you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.^(F)

⁶ Remember this:^[d] The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves^(G) a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able^(H) to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now the One who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.^{(K) 11} You will be enriched^(L) in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. ¹² For the ministry of this service^(M) is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many acts of thanksgiving to God. ¹³ They will glorify God for your obedience to the confession of^[f] the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity^(N) in sharing with them and with others through the proof provided by this service. ¹⁴ And they will have deep affection for^[g] you in their prayers on your behalf because of the surpassing grace of God in you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.