ABU(i)
1 FOR concerning the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you.
2 For I know your readiness of mind, of which I boast for you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since a year ago; and your zeal stirred up the greater part of them.
3 But I sent the brethren, that our boasting of you might not be made in vain in this respect; that, as I said, ye may be prepared;
4 lest haply, if Macedonians come with me, and find you unprepared, we (that we say not, ye) should be put to shame in respect to this confidence.
5 I thought it necessary, therefore, to exhort the brethren, that they should go before to you, and make up beforehand your bounty before promised, that this may be ready, in manner as a bounty and not as covetousness.
6 But as to this, he that sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly; and he that sows with blessings shall also reap with blessings;
7 but each as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.
8 And God is able to make every grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound toward every good work;
9 (as it is written: He dispersed abroad, he gave to the poor; His righteousness abides forever;)
10 and he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed sown, and increase the fruits of your righteousness;
11 being enriched in everything to all liberality, which works through us thanksgiving to God.
12 Because the ministration of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints, but also abounds through many thanksgivings to God;
13 while by the proof of this ministration they glorify God for the obedience to your profession of the gospel of Christ, and for the liberality of the contribution to them, and to all;
14 they also, with supplication for you, longing after you on account of the exceeding grace of God in you.
15 Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!