God Loves a Cheerful Giver

(1 Corinthians 16:1–4)

Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you. 2 For I know your eagerness [to help], [and] I have been boasting to [the] Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared [ to give ]. And your zeal has stirred most of them [ to do likewise ].

3 

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter vvv should not prove empty, [but] that you will be prepared, just as I said. 4 Otherwise, if [any] Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we — to say nothing of you — would be ashamed of [having been] so confident [in our] boasting.[fn] 5 So I thought [it] necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the generous gift [that was] announced.[fn] This way, your [gift] will be prepared vvv generously and not vvv begrudgingly.

6 

[Remember] this: Whoever sows sparingly {will} also reap sparingly, and whoever sows vvv generously {will} also reap vvv generously. 7 Each one [ should give ] what he decides[fn] in [his] heart [to give ], not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.[fn] 8 And God [is] able {to make} all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 9 As it is written:

“He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor;

His righteousness endures forever

10 

Now may He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food supply and multiply your store of seed and increase[fn] the harvest of your righteousness. 11 May you be enriched[fn] in every way to be generous on every [occasion], so that through us [your generosity] may produce[fn] thanksgiving to God. 12 For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but vvv is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

13 

Because of the proof this ministry {provides}, [the saints] will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and [for the] generosity of [your] contribution to them and to all [the others]. 14 And their prayers for you will express their affection for you, because of the surpassing grace God [has given] you. 15 Thanks [be] to God for His indescribable gift! 10