Generosity Encouraged

⁶ Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.^{(A) 7} Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give,^(B) not reluctantly or under compulsion,^(C) for God loves a cheerful giver.^{(D) 8} And God is able^(E) to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need,^(F) 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^(I) will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness.^{(J) 11} You will be enriched^(K) in every way so that you can be generous^(L) on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.^(M)

¹¹ For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ.^{(A) 12} If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, ¹³ their work will be shown for what it is,^(B) because the Day^(C) will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.^{(D) 14} If what has been built survives, the builder will receive a reward.^{(E) 15} If it is burned up, the builder will suffer loss but yet will be saved—even though only as one escaping through the flames.^(F)

¹⁶ Don’t you know that you yourselves are God’s temple^(G) and that God’s Spirit dwells in your midst?^{(H) 17} If anyone destroys God’s temple, God will destroy that person; for God’s temple is sacred, and you together are that temple.

¹⁸ Do not deceive yourselves. If any of you think you are wise^(I) by the standards of this age,^(J) you should become “fools” so that you may become wise.