The Bible in Basic English BBE
Good News Translation GNT
1 But there is no need for me to say anything in my letter about the giving to the saints:
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There is really no need for me to write you about the help being sent to God's people in Judea.
2 For I have before made clear to those of Macedonia my pride in your ready mind, saying to them that Achaia has been ready for a year back; and a great number have been moved to do the same by your example.
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I know that you are willing to help, and I have boasted of you to the people in Macedonia. "The believers in Achaia," I said, "have been ready to help since last year." Your eagerness has stirred up most of them.
3 But I have sent the brothers, so that the good things we said about you may be seen to be true, and that, as I said, you may be ready:
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Now I am sending these believers, so that our boasting about you in this matter may not turn out to be empty words. But, just as I said, you will be ready with your help.
4 For fear that, if any from Macedonia come with me, and you are not ready, we (not to say, you) might be put to shame in this thing.
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However, if the people from Macedonia should come with me and find out that you are not ready, how ashamed we would be - not to speak of your shame - for feeling so sure of you!
5 So it seemed to me wise for the brothers to go before, and see that the amount which you had undertaken to give was ready, so that it might be a cause for praise, and not as if we were making profit out of you.
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So I thought it was necessary to urge these believers to go to you ahead of me and get ready in advance the gift you promised to make. Then it will be ready when I arrive, and it will show that you give because you want to, not because you have to.
6 But in the Writings it says, He who puts in only a small number of seeds, will get in the same; and he who puts them in from a full hand, will have produce in full measure from them.
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Remember that the person who plants few seeds will have a small crop; the one who plants many seeds will have a large crop.
7 Let every man do after the purpose of his heart; not giving with grief, or by force: for God takes pleasure in a ready giver.
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You should each give, then, as you have decided, not with regret or out of a sense of duty; for God loves the one who gives gladly.
8 And God is able to give you all grace in full measure; so that ever having enough of all things, you may be full of every good work:
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And God is able to give you more than you need, so that you will always have all you need for yourselves and more than enough for every good cause.
9 As it is said in the Writings, He has sent out far and wide, he has given to the poor; his righteousness is for ever.
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As the scripture says, "He gives generously to the needy; his kindness lasts forever."
10 And he who gives seed for putting into the field and bread for food, will take care of the growth of your seed, at the same time increasing the fruits of your righteousness;
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And God, who supplies seed for the sower and bread to eat, will also supply you with all the seed you need and will make it grow and produce a rich harvest from your generosity.
11 Your wealth being increased in everything, with a simple mind, causing praise to God through us.
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He will always make you rich enough to be generous at all times, so that many will thank God for your gifts which they receive from us.
12 For this work of giving not only takes care of the needs of the saints, but is the cause of much praise to God;
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For this service you perform not only meets the needs of God's people, but also produces an outpouring of gratitude to God.
13 For when, through this work of giving, they see what you are, they give glory to God for the way in which you have given yourselves to the good news of Christ, and for the wealth of your giving to them and to all;
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And because of the proof which this service of yours brings, many will give glory to God for your loyalty to the gospel of Christ, which you profess, and for your generosity in sharing with them and everyone else.
14 While their hearts go out to you in love and in prayer for you, because of the great grace of God which is in you.
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And so with deep affection they will pray for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown you.
15 Praise be to God for what he has given, which words have no power to say.
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Let us thank God for his priceless gift!
The Bible in Basic English is in the public domain.
Scripture taken from the Good News Translation - Second Edition, Copyright 1992 by American Bible Society. Used by Permission.