Psalm 41^[a]

For the director of music. A psalm of David.

⁸ And God is able^(A) to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,^(B) you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

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

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs^(J) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.^{(K) 13} Because of the service^(L) by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God^(M) for the obedience that accompanies your confession^(N) of the gospel of Christ,^(O) and for your generosity^(P) in sharing with them and with everyone else. ¹⁴ And in their prayers for you their hearts will go out to you, because of the surpassing grace God has given you.

³⁵ In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ”

³⁴ “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom^(A) prepared for you since the creation of the world.^{(B) 35} For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,^{(C) 36} I needed clothes and you clothed me,^(D) I was sick and you looked after me,^(E) I was in prison and you came to visit me.’^(F)

³⁷ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? ³⁸ When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? ³⁹ When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

¹³ because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful.^(A) Mercy triumphs over judgment.

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)