9 For
as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to
write to you: 2 For
I know the forwardness of your mind, for which I boast of you to them
of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath provoked
very many. 3 Yet
have I sent the brethren, lest our boasting of you should be in vain in
this behalf; that, as I said, ye may be ready: 4 Lest
haply if they of Macedonia come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that
we say not, ye) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting. 5 Therefore
I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren, that they would go before
unto you, and make up beforehand your bounty, whereof ye had notice before,
that the same might be ready, as a matter of bounty, and not as of covetousness. 6 But
this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he
which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.
7
Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly,
or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. 8 And
God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having
all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work: 9 (As
it is written, He hath dispersed abroad; he hath given to the poor: his
righteousness remaineth for ever. 10 Now
he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food,
and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;) 11 Being
enriched in every thing to all bountifulness, which causeth through us thanksgiving
to God. 12 For
the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints,
but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God; 13 Whiles
by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed
subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution
unto them, and unto all men; 14 And
by their prayer for you, which long after you for the exceeding grace of
God in you. 15 Thanks
be unto God for his unspeakable gift.
