Chapter 9

For it is indeed superfluous for me to write to you with reference to this charitable service to the saints.

For I know your eagerness, whereof I boast about you to the Macedonians---that Achaia has been ready since last year---and your zeal has stimulated very many.

Still, I have sent the brethren, lest our boasting concerning you should be found empty in this instance; that, as I was saying, you may be ready,

lest, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we---not to say yourselves---should be put to shame for having been so sure.

I have therefore thought it necessary to exhort the brethren to go to you in advance and to get ready this promised contribution, so that it may be as a matter of bounty, not of extortion. Exhortation to Generosity

Mark this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.

Let each one give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or from compulsion, for "God loves a cheerful giver."

And God is able to make all grace abound in you, so that always having ample means, you may abound in every good work,

as it is written, "He has scattered abroad and has given to the poor, his justice remains forever."

Now he who provides the sower with seed will both give you bread to eat and will multiply your seed, and will increase the growth of the fruits of your justice;

that, being enriched in all things, you may contribute with simplicity of purpose, and thus through us evoke thanksgiving to God;

for the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but overflows also in much gratitude to the Lord.

The evidence furnished by this service makes them glorify God for your obedient profession of Christ's gospel and for the sincere generosity of your contributions to them and to all;

while they themselves, in their prayers for you, yearn for you, because of the excellent grace God has given you.

Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!