1 REGARDING the service to the holy, it is superfluous for me to write to you.

2 For I know your readiness and I am boasting about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia was ready a year ago, and your zeal has stimulated the most of them.

3 I am sending the brethren that our boasting about you may not be proved in this matter an empty boast, so that you may be ready as I have said,

4 and if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to say you, may not be made ashamed of this confidence.

5 So I think it necessary to urge the brethren to go on in advance to you and prepare before-hand your promised gift, that it may be ready as a gift and not as if extorted.

6 Remember this, he who sows sparingly will reap sparingly and he who sows bountifully will reap bountifully.

7 Let each give as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly nor of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.

8 God is able to make every blessing abound for you so that having in everything always all that you need, you may abound in every good work,

9 as it is written, "He scattered, he gave to the poor, his righteousness endures forever."

10 He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and make abundant your seed and will increase the fruits of your righteousness.

11 You will be enriched in everything so that you will have all liberality which through our agency causes thanksgiving to God.

12 For the performance of this sacred service not only supplies the needs of the holy, but also overflows to God in many thanksgivings.

13 By the proof afforded by this service men are led to glorify God for your fidelity to your profession of faith in the good news of Christ, and for the liberality of your contributions toward them and toward all.

14 In their prayers in your behalf they pour out their longing love for you because of the surpassing grace of God that is upon you.

15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!