1. Now concerning the ministry to the saints, it is unnecessary for me to write to you.
2. For I know your eagerness, and I brag about you to the Macedonians: “Achaia has been prepared since last year,” and your zeal has stirred up most of them.
3. But I sent the brothers so our boasting about you in the matter would not prove empty, and so you would be prepared just as I said.
4. For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we, not to mention you, would be embarrassed in that situation.
5. Therefore I considered it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance the generous gift you promised, so that it will be ready as a gift and not as an extortion.
6. Remember this: The person who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the person who sows generously will also reap generously.
7. Each person should do as he has decided in his heart — not reluctantly or out of necessity, for God loves a cheerful giver.