1For as concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you: 2for I know your readiness, of which I glory on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared since a year ago; and your zeal has stirred up very many of them. 3But I have sent the brothers, that our glorying on your behalf may not be made void in this respect; that, even as I said, you may be prepared: 4lest by any means, if any of Macedonia come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to say you) should be put to shame in this confidence. 5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers, that they would go before to you, and make up beforehand your previously promised bounty, that the same might be ready as a matter of bounty, and not of extortion. 6But this I say, He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. 7Let each man do just as he has purposed in his heart: not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you; that you, having always all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work: 9as it is written, He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor; His righteousness abides forever. 10And he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, shall supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness: 11you being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God. 12For the ministry of this service not only fills up the measure of the needs of the saints, but abounds also through many thanksgivings to God; 13seeing that through the proving of you by this ministry they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the gospel of Messiah, and for the liberality of your contribution to them and to all; 14while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, long after you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift.