2 Corinthians

Collection for Jerusalem

I don’t need to write to you about helping the saints.

I know your willingness, and I praised you before the Macedonians. I said, ‘In Achaia, they have been ready since last year.’ Your enthusiasm encouraged most of them.

So I am sending these brothers of ours. May all my praise of you not be empty in this case! May you be ready, as I have said.

If some Macedonians come with me, let them not find you unprepared. What a shame for me—and maybe for you—after so much confidence!

That’s why I thought it necessary to ask our brothers to go ahead of us and see you, to organize this generous work you have promised. It will come from your willingness and not be an imposed task.

Remember: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and there will be generous harvests for the one who sows generously.

Each of you should give willingly and not reluctantly, as if compelled. God loves a cheerful giver.

And God can fill you with every good thing so that you have enough of everything at all times and can give generously for any good work.

Scripture states:

He distributed, he gave to the poor,

and his good deeds last forever.

God, who supplies the sower with seed, will also give him the bread he eats. He will multiply the seed for you and also increase the reward for your good deeds.

Become prosperous in every way and give generously. What you give will, through us, serve as a thanksgiving to God.

Providing this sacred relief after supplying the saints with what they need will result in much thanksgiving to God.

This will be a test for them; they will give thanks because you obey the requirements of Christ’s gospel and share generously with them and with all.

They will pray to God for you and feel affection for you because God’s grace overflows in you.

Thanks be to God for his indescribable gift!