What does 2 Corinthians 9:14 mean?

Paul is writing about what can be accomplished when Christians give generously to meet the needs of others. The benefits of this charity go far beyond simply providing food, shelter, and safety. It allows Christians to participate in God's work of providing for the poor, as well as to "harvest" thanksgiving to God from those who receive what is so badly needed.

The previous verse noted that generous giving by believers speaks loudly to those who receive the gift. It declares the givers' faith in Christ. It shows that Christ's love is real in them. In doing so, it builds a connection with Christians with whom they would otherwise have little in common.

In this passage, Paul is specifically talking about the connection between Gentile Christians and the suffering Jewish believers in Jerusalem. These Israelite Christians may have wondered about the validity of the relationship between God and the non-Jewish believers in other parts of the world. Generous support for the Jerusalem Christians will show Christ's love is real in the Gentile churches. It will build a connection between them. Paul says that those who receive the gift will long for the Corinthians and pray for them, because the evidence of God's grace will be obvious in their lives.