Paul tells the Corinthians to be ready with their gift so it is a willing offering and not a grudging one. God loves a cheerful giver and provides what we need, so that we can give in turn.
1 For as touching the ministering to the saints , it is superfluous for me to write to you :
2 For I know the forwardness of your mind , for which I boast of you to them of Macedonia , that Achaia was ready a year ago ; and your zeal hath provoked very many .
3 Yet have I sent the brethren , lest our boasting of you should be in vain in this behalf ; that , as I said , ye may be ready :
4 Lest haply if they of Macedonia come with me , and find you unprepared , we (that we say not , ye ) should be ashamed in this same confident boasting .
5 Therefore I thought it necessary to exhort the brethren , that they would go before unto you , and make up beforehand your bounty , whereof ye had notice before , that the same might be ready , as a matter of bounty , and not as of covetousness .
6 But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly ; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully .
7 Every man according as he purposeth in his heart , so let him give; not grudgingly , or of necessity : for God loveth a cheerful giver .
8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you ; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work :
9 (As it is written , He hath dispersed abroad ; he hath given to the poor : his righteousness remaineth for ever .
10 Now he that ministereth seed to the sower both minister bread for your food , and multiply your seed sown , and increase the fruits of your righteousness ;)
11 Being enriched in every thing to all bountifulness , which causeth through us thanksgiving to God .
12 For the administration of this service not only supplieth the want of the saints , but is abundant also by many thanksgivings unto God ;
13 Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ , and for your liberal distribution unto them , and unto all men;
14 And by their prayer for you , which long after you for the exceeding grace of God in you .
15 Thanks be unto God for his unspeakable gift .