47 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
47 lines
2.2 KiB
Markdown
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## God Loves a Cheerful Giver
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###### 1
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For it is superfluous for me to write to you about this ministry to the saints;
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###### 2
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for I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the Macedonians, that Achaia has been prepared since last year, and your zeal stirred up most of them.
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###### 3
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But I have sent the brothers, in order that our boasting about you may not be made empty in this case, so that, as I was saying, you may be prepared;
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###### 4
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lest if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we--not to speak of you--be put to shame in this certainty _of ours_.
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###### 5
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So I regarded it necessary to encourage the brothers that they would go on ahead to you and arrange beforehand your previously promised blessing, so that the same would be ready as a blessing and not as a begrudging obligation.
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###### 6
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Now this _I say_, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows with blessing will also reap with blessing.
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###### 7
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Each one _must do_ just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
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###### 8
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And God is able to make every grace abound to you, so that in everything at every time having every sufficiency, you may have an abundance for every good deed;
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###### 9
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as it is written, "He scattered abroad, he gave to the needy, His righteousness stands forever."
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###### 10
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Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed and increase the harvest of your righteousness;
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###### 11
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you will be enriched in everything for all generosity, which through us is bringing about thanksgiving to God.
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###### 12
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For the ministry of this service is not only fully supplying the needs of the saints, but is also abounding through many thanksgivings to God.
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###### 13
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Because of the proven character given by this ministry, they will glorify God for _your_ obedience to your confession of the gospel of Christ and for the generosity of your fellowship toward them and toward all,
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###### 14
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while they also, by prayer on your behalf, long for you because of the surpassing grace of God on you.
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###### 15
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Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift!
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