2 Corinthians 7 - 9
1
Since we have these promises, beloved, j let us cleanse ourselves from every defilement of body and spirit, bringing holiness to completion in the fear of God.
2
k Make room in your hearts for us. l We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have taken advantage of no one.
3
I do not say this to condemn you, for I said before that m you are in our hearts, to die together and to live together.
4
I am acting with n great boldness toward you; o I have great pride in you; p I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
5
For even q when we came into Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were afflicted at every turn - r fighting without and fear within.
6
But s God, who comforts the downcast, t comforted us by the coming of Titus,
7
and not only by his coming but also by the comfort with which he was comforted by you, as he told us of your longing, your mourning, your zeal for me, so that I rejoiced still more.
8
For u even if I made you grieve with my letter, I do not regret it - though v I did regret it, for I see that that letter grieved you, though only for a while.
9
As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but w because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us.
10
For x godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas y worldly grief produces death.
11
For see what earnestness this godly grief has produced in you, but also what eagerness to clear yourselves, what indignation, what fear, what longing, z what zeal, what punishment! At every point you have proved yourselves innocent in the matter.
12
So although I wrote to you, it was not for the sake of the one a who did the wrong, nor for the sake of the one who suffered the wrong, but in order that your earnestness for us might be revealed to you in the sight of God.
13
Therefore b we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit c has been refreshed by you all.
14
For d whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you e was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.
15
And his affection for you is even greater, as he remembers f the obedience of you all, how you received him with fear and trembling.
16
I rejoice, because I have perfect g confidence in you.
2 Corinthians 8
1
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been h given among the churches of Macedonia,
2
for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and i their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.
3
For they gave j according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord,
4
begging us earnestly k for the favor of taking part in l the relief of the saints -
5
and this, not as we expected, but they m gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
6
Accordingly, n we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you o this act of grace.
7
But as p you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you - q see that you excel in this act of grace also.
8
r I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine.
9
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that s though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
10
And in this matter t I give my judgment: u this benefits you, who v a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.
11
So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.
12
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable w according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
13
For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness
14
your abundance at the present time should supply x their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.
15
As it is written, y "Whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack."
16
But z thanks be to God, a who put into the heart of Titus the same earnest care I have for you.
17
For b he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.
18
With him we are sending c the brother who is famous among d all the churches for his preaching of the gospel.
19
And not only that, but he has been e appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of f grace that is being ministered by us, g for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.
20
We take this course so that no one should blame us about this generous gift that is being administered by us,
21
for h we aim at what is honorable i not only in the Lord's sight but also in the sight of man.
22
And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you.
23
As for Titus, he is j my partner and fellow worker for your benefit. And as for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, the glory of Christ.
24
So give proof before the churches of your love and of k our boasting about you to these men.
2 Corinthians 9
1
Now l it is superfluous for me to write to you about m the ministry for the saints,
2
for I know your readiness, n of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready o since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
3
But p I am sending the brothers so that our boasting about you may not prove empty in this matter, so that you may be ready, q as I said you would be.
4
Otherwise, if some Macedonians r come with me and find that you are not ready, we would be humiliated - to say nothing of you - for being so confident.
5
So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to go on ahead to you and arrange in advance for the s gift you have promised, so that it may be ready t as a willing gift, u not as an exaction.
6
The point is this: v whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.
7
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, w not reluctantly or under compulsion, for x God loves a cheerful giver.
8
And y God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
9
As it is written,
z "He has distributed freely, he has given to the poor;
his righteousness endures forever."
10
He who supplies a seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and b increase the harvest of your righteousness.
11
c You will be enriched in every way to be generous in every way, which d through us will produce thanksgiving to God.
12
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying e the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
13
By their approval of this service, f they will glorify God because of your submission flowing from your g confession of the gospel of Christ, and the generosity of your contribution for them and for all others,
14
while they long for you and pray for you, because of the surpassing grace of God upon you.
15
h Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!
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Cross References
1 Peter 2:11
Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.
1 John 3:3
And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:12 - 13
You are not restricted by us, but you are restricted in your own affections.
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Acts 20:33
I coveted no one's silver or gold or apparel.
2 Corinthians 11:20
For you bear it if someone makes slaves of you, or devours you, or takes advantage of you, or puts on airs, or strikes you in the face.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 6:11 - 13
We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians; our heart is wide open.
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2 Corinthians 3:12
Since we have such a hope, we are very bold.
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2 Corinthians 1:12
For our boast is this, the testimony of our conscience, that we behaved in the world with simplicity and godly sincerity, not by earthly wisdom but by the grace of God, and supremely so toward you.
2 Corinthians 8:24
So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
2 Corinthians 9:2
For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:4
Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
Philippians 2:17
Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with you all.
Colossians 1:24
Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ's afflictions for the sake of his body, that is, the church.
2 Corinthians 6:10
As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:13
My spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
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Cross References
Deuteronomy 32:25
Outdoors the sword shall bereave, and indoors terror, for young man and woman alike, the nursing child with the man of gray hairs.
Lamentations 1:20
Look, O Lord, for I am in distress; my stomach churns; my heart is wrung within me, because I have been very rebellious. In the street the sword bereaves; in the house it is like death.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:4
Who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:13
Therefore we are comforted. And besides our own comfort, we rejoiced still more at the joy of Titus, because his spirit has been refreshed by you all.
1 Thessalonians 3:6 - 7
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you -
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2 Corinthians 2:2
For if I cause you pain, who is there to make me glad but the one whom I have pained?
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:4
For I wrote to you out of much affliction and anguish of heart and with many tears, not to cause you pain but to let you know the abundant love that I have for you.
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Cross References
Psalms 38:18
I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.
1 Corinthians 5:2
And you are arrogant! Ought you not rather to mourn? Let him who has done this be removed from among you.
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Cross References
2 Samuel 12:13
David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die.
Acts 11:18
When they heard these things they fell silent. And they glorified God, saying, "Then to the Gentiles also God has granted repentance that leads to life.
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Cross References
Proverbs 17:22
A joyful heart is good medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones.
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2 Corinthians 2:6
For such a one, this punishment by the majority is enough.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 5:1 - 2
It is actually reported that there is sexual immorality among you, and of a kind that is not tolerated even among pagans, for a man has his father's wife.
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2 Corinthians 7:6
But God, who comforts the downcast, comforted us by the coming of Titus.
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Romans 15:32
So that by God's will I may come to you with joy and be refreshed in your company.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:24
So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
2 Corinthians 9:2
For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
2 Corinthians 10:8
For even if I boast a little too much of our authority, which the Lord gave for building you up and not for destroying you, I will not be ashamed.
2 Thessalonians 1:4
Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 4:2
But we have renounced disgraceful, underhanded ways. We refuse to practice cunning or to tamper with God's word, but by the open statement of the truth we would commend ourselves to everyone's conscience in the sight of God.
2 Corinthians 6:7
By truthful speech, and the power of God; with the weapons of righteousness for the right hand and for the left.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 2:9
For this is why I wrote, that I might test you and know whether you are obedient in everything.
2 Corinthians 10:6
Being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.
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2 Corinthians 2:3
And I wrote as I did, so that when I came I might not suffer pain from those who should have made me rejoice, for I felt sure of all of you, that my joy would be the joy of you all.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:5
And this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us.
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Cross References
Mark 12:44
For they all contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in everything she had, all she had to live on.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:11
So now finish doing it as well, so that your readiness in desiring it may be matched by your completing it out of what you have.
1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:2
For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
Romans 15:25 - 26
At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.
Acts 24:17
Now after several years I came to bring alms to my nation and to present offerings.
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Cross References
Romans 15:31
That I may be delivered from the unbelievers in Judea, and that my service for Jerusalem may be acceptable to the saints.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:1
We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:17
For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.
2 Corinthians 12:18
I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
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2 Corinthians 8:19
And not only that, but he has been appointed by the churches to travel with us as we carry out this act of grace that is being ministered by us, for the glory of the Lord himself and to show our good will.
2 Corinthians 8:4
Begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints -
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1 Corinthians 1:5
That in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge -
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2 Corinthians 9:8
And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.
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1 Corinthians 7:6
Now as a concession, not a command, I say this.
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Cross References
Philippians 2:6 - 7
Who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped.
2 Corinthians 6:10
As sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; as poor, yet making many rich; as having nothing, yet possessing everything.
Matthew 20:28
Even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.
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1 Corinthians 7:25
Now concerning the betrothed, I have no command from the Lord, but I give my judgment as one who by the Lord's mercy is trustworthy.
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Cross References
Deuteronomy 15:7 - 8
If among you, one of your brothers should become poor, in any of your towns within your land that the Lord your God is giving you, you shall not harden your heart or shut your hand against your poor brother.
Proverbs 19:17
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 28:27
Whoever gives to the poor will not want, but he who hides his eyes will get many a curse.
1 Timothy 6:18 - 19
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share.
Hebrews 13:16
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:2
For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Mark 12:43 - 44
And he called his disciples to him and said to them, "Truly, I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the offering box.
Luke 21:3
And he said, "Truly, I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 9:12
For the ministry of this service is not only supplying the needs of the saints but is also overflowing in many thanksgivings to God.
Acts 4:34
There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold
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Cross References
Exodus 16:18
But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat.
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Cross References
Exodus 16:18
But when they measured it with an omer, whoever gathered much had nothing left over, and whoever gathered little had no lack. Each of them gathered as much as he could eat.
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2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
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Cross References
Revelation 17:17
For God has put it into their hearts to carry out his purpose by being of one mind and handing over their royal power to the beast, until the words of God are fulfilled.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:6
Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:18
I urged Titus to go, and sent the brother with him. Did Titus take advantage of you? Did we not act in the same spirit? Did we not take the same steps?
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:17
Only let each person lead the life that the Lord has assigned to him, and to which God has called him. This is my rule in all the churches.
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1 Corinthians 16:3 - 4
And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your gift to Jerusalem.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:6
Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.
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2 Corinthians 4:15
For it is all for your sake, so that as grace extends to more and more people it may increase thanksgiving, to the glory of God.
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Romans 12:17
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all.
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Romans 14:18
Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men.
Philippians 4:8
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
1 Peter 2:12
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
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Cross References
Philemon 1:17
So if you consider me your partner, receive him as you would receive me.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 7:4
I am acting with great boldness toward you; I have great pride in you; I am filled with comfort. In all our affliction, I am overflowing with joy.
2 Corinthians 7:14
For whatever boasts I made to him about you, I was not put to shame. But just as everything we said to you was true, so also our boasting before Titus has proved true.
2 Corinthians 9:2 - 3
For I know your readiness, of which I boast about you to the people of Macedonia, saying that Achaia has been ready since last year. And your zeal has stirred up most of them.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 4:9
Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.
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Cross References
Romans 15:25
At present, however, I am going to Jerusalem bringing aid to the saints.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:24
So give proof before the churches of your love and of our boasting about you to these men.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:10
And in this matter I give my judgment: this benefits you, who a year ago started not only to do this work but also to desire to do it.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 8:6
Accordingly, we urged Titus that as he had started, so he should complete among you this act of grace.
2 Corinthians 8:17 - 18
For he not only accepted our appeal, but being himself very earnest he is going to you of his own accord.
2 Corinthians 8:22
And with them we are sending our brother whom we have often tested and found earnest in many matters, but who is now more earnest than ever because of his great confidence in you.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 16:2
On the first day of every week, each of you is to put something aside and store it up, as he may prosper, so that there will be no collecting when I come.
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Cross References
Acts 20:4
Sopater the Berean, son of Pyrrhus, accompanied him; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.
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Cross References
Genesis 33:11
Please accept my blessing that is brought to you, because God has dealt graciously with me, and because I have enough." Thus he urged him, and he took it.
Judges 1:15
She said to him, "Give me a blessing. Since you have set me in the land of the Negeb, give me also springs of water." And Caleb gave her the upper springs and the lower springs.
1 Samuel 25:27
And now let this present that your servant has brought to my lord be given to the young men who follow my lord.
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Cross References
Philippians 4:17
Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that increases to your credit.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 12:17 - 18
Did I take advantage of you through any of those whom I sent to you?
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Cross References
Proverbs 11:24 - 25
One gives freely, yet grows all the richer; ano...
Proverbs 22:9
Whoever has a bountiful eye will be blessed, fo...
Galatians 6:7
Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for what...
Galatians 6:9
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in...
Malachi 3:10
Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that ...
Luke 6:38
Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure...
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Cross References
Deuteronomy 15:10
You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake.
2 Corinthians 8:12
For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has, not according to what he does not have.
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Cross References
Exodus 25:2
Speak to the people of Israel, that they take for me a contribution. From every man whose heart moves him you shall receive the contribution for me.
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Philippians 4:19
And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
Ephesians 3:2
Assuming that you have heard of the stewardship of God's grace that was given to me for you.
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Cross References
Psalms 112:9
He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.
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Psalms 112:9
He has distributed freely; he has given to the poor; his righteousness endures forever; his horn is exalted in honor.
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Cross References
Isaiah 55:10
For as the rain and the snow come down from heaven and do not return there but water the earth, making it bring forth and sprout, giving seed to the sower and bread to the eater.
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Hosea 10:12
Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap steadfast love; break up your fallow ground, for it is the time to seek the Lord, that he may come and rain righteousness upon you.
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1 Corinthians 1:5
That in every way you were enriched in him in all speech and all knowledge -
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2 Corinthians 1:11
You also must help us by prayer, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us through the prayers of many.
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2 Corinthians 8:14
Your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.
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Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.
1 Peter 2:12
Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.
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1 Timothy 6:12 - 13
Fight the good fight of the faith. Take hold of the eternal life to which you were called and about which you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.
Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.
Hebrews 4:14
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
Hebrews 10:23
Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.
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Cross References
John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.
Ephesians 2:8
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.
2 Corinthians 2:14
But thanks be to God, who in Christ always leads us in triumphal procession, and through us spreads the fragrance of the knowledge of him everywhere.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.