NET Bible
"I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others."
— 2 Corinthians 8:8, NET Bible
“I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.”
“I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love. ”
“I speak not by way of commandment, but as proving through the earnestness of others the sincerity also of your love.”
“I speak not as commanding: but by the carefulness of others, approving also the good disposition of your charity.”
“I am not giving you an order, but using the ready mind of others as a test of the quality of your love.”
“I speak not by commandment, but by occasion of the forwardness of others, and to prove the sincerity of your love.”
And they did this not just as we had hoped, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and to us by the will of God.
Thus we urged Titus that, just as he had previously begun this work, so also he should complete this act of kindness for you.
But as you excel in everything– in faith, in speech, in knowledge, and in all eagerness and in the love from us that is in you– make sure that you excel in this act of kindness too.
I am not saying this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love by comparison with the eagerness of others.
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that although he was rich, he became poor for your sakes, so that you by his poverty could become rich.
So here is my opinion on this matter: It is to your advantage, since you made a good start last year both in your giving and your desire to give,
to finish what you started, so that just as you wanted to do it eagerly, you can also complete it according to your means.