2 Corinthians 9

God Loves a Cheerful Giver

2 Corinthians 9:1–15

1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you:

2 For I know your willingness, for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia, that Achaia was ready a year ago; and your zeal hath stirred very many to action.

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 perhaps 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 greed.

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 under compulsion: 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 may he that supplieth seed to the sower both supply bread for your food, and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;)

11 Being enriched in every thing to all generosity, which causeth through us thanksgiving to God.

12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the need of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God;

13 While by the proof given by this ministry they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your generous sharing 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 indescribable gift.