¹⁷ Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.^(A)

¹⁴ Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good,^(A) in order to provide for urgent needs and not live unproductive lives.

¹⁰ God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.^(A)

⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food^(C) will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.^{(D) 11} You will be enriched^(E) in every way so that you can be generous^(F) on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.^(G)

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs^(H) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.^{(I) 13} Because of the service^(J) by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God^(K) for the obedience that accompanies your confession^(L) of the gospel of Christ,^(M) and for your generosity^(N) in sharing with them and with everyone else.

⁸ This is to my Father’s glory,^(A) that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.^(B)

⁷ Since an overseer^(A) manages God’s household,^(B) he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain.^(C)

¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(A) whatever the circumstances.

¹² Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. ¹³ But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,^{(A) 14} and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”^(B)

² Be shepherds of God’s flock^(A) that is under your care, watching over them—not because you must, but because you are willing, as God wants you to be;^(B) not pursuing dishonest gain,^(C) but eager to serve;