Quotes About Generosity

In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity.

For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it. Of their own accord,

they earnestly pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints.

And not only did they do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us, because it was the will of God.

I am not making a demand, but I am testing the sincerity of your love in comparison to the earnestness of others.

For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.

And this is my opinion about what is helpful for you in this matter: Last year you were the first not only to give, but even to have such a desire.

For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.

At the present time, your surplus will meet their need, so that in turn their surplus will meet your need. Then there will be equality.

As it is written: “He who gathered much had no excess, and he who gathered little had no shortfall.”

We hope to avoid any criticism of the way we administer this generous gift.

In full view of the churches, then, show these men the proof of your love and the reason for our boasting about you.

Now about the service to the saints, there is no need for me to write to you.

For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting to the Macedonians that since last year you in Achaia were prepared to give. And your zeal has stirred most of them to do likewise.

But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove empty, but that you will be prepared, just as I said.

Otherwise, if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—to say nothing of you—would be ashamed of having been so confident.

So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you beforehand and make arrangements for the bountiful gift you had promised. This way, your gift will be prepared generously and not begrudgingly.

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.

Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver.

As it is written: “He has scattered abroad His gifts to the poor; His righteousness endures forever.”

You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion, so that through us your giving will produce thanksgiving to God.

For this ministry of service is not only supplying the needs of the saints, but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanksgiving to God.

Because of the proof this ministry provides, the saints will glorify God for your obedient confession of the gospel of Christ, and for the generosity of your contribution to them and to all the others.

And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?