Wednesday of the 19th week after Pentecost

Brethren, I want you to know that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the Gospel, so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear… Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from good will: The one preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; but the other out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the Gospel. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice. For I know that this will turn out for my salvation through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope …

Brethren, He who sows sparingly shall also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully shall also reap bountifully. So let each man give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound toward you, that you, always having all sufficiency in all things, have an abundance for every good work. As it is written: “He hath dispersed abroad, He hath given to the poor; His righteousness remains forever.” Now may He who supplies seed to the sower, and bread for food, supply and multiply the seed you have sown and increase the fruits of your righteousness, being enriched in everything to all bountifulness, which causes through us thanksgiving to God.