In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.(A)

Read full chapter

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) And God is able(H) to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,(I) you will abound in every good work. As it is written:

“They have freely scattered their gifts(J) to the poor;
    their righteousness endures forever.”[a](K)

10 Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food(L) will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.(M) 11 You will be enriched(N) in every way so that you can be generous(O) on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.(P)

12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs(Q) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.(R) 13 Because of the service(S) by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God(T) for the obedience that accompanies your confession(U) of the gospel of Christ,(V) and for your generosity(W) in sharing with them and with everyone else.

Read full chapter

Footnotes

  1. 2 Corinthians 9:9 Psalm 112:9

Bible Gateway Recommends