You also must help us by your prayers, so that many will give thanks on our behalf for the blessing granted us in answer to the prayers of many.

he has put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.

who has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life.

For it is the God who said, "Let light shine out of darkness," who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Christ.

For we who live are always being given up to death for Jesus' sake, so that the life of Jesus may be manifested in our mortal flesh.

Now he who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.

Now, brethren, we want you to know about the grace of God which has been given in the churches of Macedonia,

And in this matter I give my advice: it is best for you now to complete what a year ago you began not only to do but to desire.

Each one must give just as he has purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

As it is written, "He has scattered abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."

And to keep me from being too elated because of the abundance of revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan, to harass me, to keep me from being too elated.