⁵ And they exceeded our expectations: They gave themselves first of all to the Lord, and then by the will of God also to us.

¹² For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has,^(A) not according to what one does not have.

⁷ Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,^(A) not reluctantly or under compulsion,^(B) for God loves a cheerful giver.^{(C) 8} And God is able^(D) to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,^(E) you will abound in every good work. ⁹ As it is written:

¹⁰ Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food^(H) will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.^{(I) 11} You will be enriched^(J) in every way so that you can be generous^(K) on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.^(L)

¹² This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs^(M) of the Lord’s people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God.^{(N) 13} Because of the service^(O) by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God^(P) for the obedience that accompanies your confession^(Q) of the gospel of Christ,^(R) and for your generosity^(S) in sharing with them and with everyone else.