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Motivations for Giving

¹ Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you. ² For I know your eagerness, and I boast about you to the Macedonians:^(C1) “Achaia^(C2) has been ready since last year,” and your zeal^(C3) has stirred up most of them.^{(C4) 3} But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter would not prove empty, and so that you would be ready just as I said. ⁴ Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be put to shame in that situation.^{(F1) 5} Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift^(C1) you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.^(C2)

⁶ The point is this:^(F1) The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously. ⁷ Each person should do as he has decided in his heart—not reluctantly or out of compulsion, since God loves^(C1) a cheerful giver. ⁸ And God is able^(C1) to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now the one who provides seed for the sower and bread for food will also provide and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness.^{(C1) 11} You will be enriched^(C1) in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. ¹² For the ministry of this service^(C1) is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. ¹³ Because of the proof provided by this ministry, they will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity^(C1) in sharing with them and with everyone. ¹⁴ And as they pray on your behalf, they will have deep affection for you because of the surpassing grace of God in you. ¹⁵ Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!