For indeed, it is superfluous for me to write to you about this service to the holy ones.
For I know your eagerness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
But I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you in this matter does not prove empty, so that you can be prepared, just as I kept telling them.
Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (not to mention you) would be put to shame for being so confident.
Therefore, I thought it necessary to urge the brothers that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised blessing, so that it would be ready as a generous gift, and not something you feel forced to do.
The Cheerful Giver
Consider this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
Let each one give as he has previously decided in his heart, not grudgingly, or of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.
And God is able to make all grace come in abundance to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you can have an abundance for every good work.
As it is written, He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor, his righteousness endures forever.
And he who is supplying seed to the sower and bread for food, will supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the harvest of your righteousness.
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.
For the service of this ministry is not only supplying the needs of the holy ones, but overflows by means of many thanksgivings to God.
Because of the proof given by this service, they will glorify God for your obedience to your confession of the good news of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all,
while they themselves also, with prayers on your behalf, yearn for you because of the surpassing grace of God on you.