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2 Corinthians 9

World English Bible

WEB

1It is indeed unnecessary for me to write to you concerning the service to the saints, 2for I know your readiness, of which I boast on your behalf to those of Macedonia, that Achaia has been prepared for the past year. Your zeal has stirred up very many of them. 3But I have sent the brothers so that our boasting on your behalf may not be in vain in this respect, that, just as I said, you may be prepared, 4lest by any means, if anyone from Macedonia comes there with me and finds you unprepared, we (to say nothing of you) would be disappointed in this confident boasting. 5I thought it necessary therefore to entreat the brothers that they would go before to you and arrange ahead of time the generous gift that you promised before, that the same might be ready as a matter of generosity, and not of greediness. 6Remember this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly. He who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. 7Let each man give according as he has determined in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 8And God is able to make all grace abound to you, that you, always having all sufficiency in everything, may abound to every good work. 9As it is written, “He has scattered abroad. He has given to the poor. His righteousness remains forever.” 10Now may he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food, supply and multiply your seed for sowing, and increase the fruits of your righteousness, 11you being enriched in everything for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. 12For this service of giving that you perform not only makes up for lack among the saints, but abounds also through much giving of thanks to God, 13seeing that through the proof given by this service, they glorify God for the obedience of your confession to the Good News of Christ and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all, 14while they themselves also, with supplication on your behalf, yearn for you by reason of the exceeding grace of God in you. 15Now thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!

World English Bible, 2020 stable text edition. Public domain; “World English Bible” is a trademark of eBible.org. eBible.org

Overview

2 Corinthians Chapter 9 focuses on the theme of generosity and the importance of giving within the Christian community. The Apostle Paul encourages the church in Corinth to prepare their contributions for the collection intended for the impoverished believers in Jerusalem. He emphasizes that their willingness to give should not be under compulsion but rather as a reflection of their hearts. Paul reminds them that “God loves a cheerful giver” (#2Corinthians9:7), highlighting the attitude behind the act of giving as crucial to its value in God’s eyes. This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that our generosity is a form of worship and an expression of our faith in God’s provision.

Paul also assures the Corinthians that their generosity will not only meet the needs of the saints but will also result in thanksgiving to God. He explains that when the recipients of their gifts see the love and support from the Corinthians, it will lead them to glorify God and acknowledge the grace shown to them. This interconnectedness of giving and gratitude illustrates the body of Christ working together in unity and love. Paul concludes by expressing his confidence in their readiness to give and prays for God’s abundant grace to be upon them, reinforcing the idea that God is the ultimate source of all blessings.

In summary, 2 Corinthians 9 teaches us that our giving should be motivated by love and gratitude, reflecting our relationship with God. It encourages believers to recognize the impact of their generosity not only on those in need but also on the broader community of faith, ultimately bringing glory to God. #generosity #cheerfulgiver #thanksgiving #grace

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Referenced by

  1. Exodus 35:5v7Exodus 35:5 calls for a freewill offering from those with a willing heart, which is echoed in 2 Corinthians 9:7 where Paul emphasizes that God loves a cheerful giver.
  2. 1 Samuel 30:26v11David's sharing of the spoils with the elders of Judah in 1 Samuel 30:26 exemplifies the principle of generosity and sharing blessings, as encouraged in 2 Corinthians 9:11.
  3. Psalms 112:9v9Psalm 112:9 mentions the righteous scattering abroad and giving to the poor, which is quoted in 2 Corinthians 9:9 to illustrate the generosity and righteousness of those who give.
  4. Proverbs 22:9v6Proverbs 22:9 speaks of the blessings on a generous person, which is echoed in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, where Paul discusses the principle of sowing generously and the cheerful giver.
  5. Malachi 3:10v6Malachi 3:10 challenges the people to bring tithes to the storehouse, promising blessings, which parallels 2 Corinthians 9:6-8's teaching on generous giving and God's provision.
  6. 1 Corinthians 16:2v71 Corinthians 16:2 instructs believers to set aside a sum of money on the first day of the week, which aligns with 2 Corinthians 9:7's teaching on giving cheerfully and not under compulsion.
  7. 2 Corinthians 7:14v22 Corinthians 7:14 speaks of Paul's confidence in the Corinthians, which is further expressed in 2 Corinthians 9:2 where he boasts about their readiness and zeal.
  8. Galatians 6:7v6Galatians 6:7 warns that God is not mocked and whatever one sows, that will he also reap, paralleling 2 Corinthians 9:6 which speaks of sowing and reaping in the context of generosity.

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