It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints, 2for I know your eagerness to serve, of which I boast on your behalf to the Macedonians, that you in Achaia have been ready for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up many of them. 3But I have sent the brothers that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that you may be ready, just as I said, 4so that if some Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) should be disappointed in this confident boasting. 5I thought it necessary therefore to ask the brothers to visit you ahead of time and make arrangements for the generous gift that you promised before. Then the gift might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of grudging obligation. 6Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Let each man give according to what he has determined in his heart; not grudgingly or under compulsion; for Allah loves a cheerful giver. 8And Allah is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all you need in everything, may abound in every good work. 9As it is written,
“He has scattered abroad, he has given to the poor.
His righteousness remains forever.“[1]
10Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food[2], supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11May you be enriched in every way so that you can be generous at all times, which through us will result in thanksgiving to Allah. 12For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but also abounds in many expressions of thanks to Allah. 13Through the proof given by your service, others will praise Allah for the obedience to your confession of the Injil of al-Masih, and for your generous contribution to them and to all; 14while they themselves also, with prayers on your behalf, long for you because of the surpassing grace of Allah in you. 15Now thanks be to Allah for his indescribable gift!
[1] 9:9 Quoting the Zabur 112:9.
[2] 9:10 Quoting the Taurat, Shaya 55:10.