2 Corinthians 9

1I really do not need to write to you about this offering for God's people.

2I already know your eager enthusiasm! I boast about you to the Macedonians all the time, saying Achaia was ready a year ago. Your enthusiasm has motivated many people.

3Still, I sent the brothers so my boasting about you will not prove empty. I want you to be ready, as I said.

4If Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we would be ashamed. You would also be ashamed.

5So I thought it was necessary to urge the brothers to go ahead to you. I wanted them to arrange your promised gift ahead of time, ready as a generous gift, not squeezed out by greed.

6Remember this truth: Whoever plants sparingly harvests sparingly. Whoever plants generously harvests a massive crop!

7Each of you must give what you decided in your heart. Do not give reluctantly or under pressure. God passionately loves a cheerful, joyful giver!

8God can make all grace overflow toward you. Then you will always have enough of everything, and can overflow in every good work.

9Scripture says: The righteous person scattered gifts everywhere; the righteous person gave to the poor. This righteousness remains forever.

10God supplies seed for the farmer and bread for food. He will supply and multiply your seed for planting. He will increase the harvest of your righteousness!

11God will enrich you in every way so you can be generous. This generosity causes thanksgiving to God through us.

12This service does two things: it supplies what God's people lack, and it produces many thanksgivings to God.

13Through this proof of service, God's people will glorify God. They will do this because you obey the good news of Christ, and because you share generously with God's people and with everyone.

14God's people will also pray for you. They will long for you because of the abundant grace of God in you.

15Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.