² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.^(A)

⁵ So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers^(A) to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift,^(B) not as one grudgingly given.^(C)

Generosity Encouraged

⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.^{(D) 7} Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,^(E) not reluctantly or under compulsion,^(F) for God loves a cheerful giver.^{(G) 8} And God is able^(H) to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,^(I) you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food^(L) will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.^{(M) 11} You will be enriched^(N) in every way so that you can be generous^(O) on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.^(P)

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs^(Q) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.^{(R) 13} Because of the service^(S) by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God^(T) for the obedience that accompanies your confession^(U) of the gospel of Christ,^(V) and for your generosity^(W) in sharing with them and with everyone else.