There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord’s people. 2 For I know your eagerness to help, and I have been boasting about it to the Macedonians, telling them that since last year you in Achaia were ready to give; and your enthusiasm has stirred most of them to action. 3 But I am sending the brothers in order that our boasting about you in this matter should not prove hollow, but that you may be ready, as I said you would be. 4 For if any Macedonians come with me and find you unprepared, we—not to say anything about you—would be ashamed of having been so confident. 5 So I thought it necessary to urge the brothers to visit you in advance and finish the arrangements for the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a generous gift, not as one grudgingly given. 2 Corinthians 9:1-5

Persuading others to give in any form (i.e., financially, of themselves, time, etc.) is difficult, and sometimes it takes a while before people “get it.”

Paul told the Macedonians that the Corinthians would be helping out soon, but after a year, the help had not come. We don’t know what was promised or if there was a timetable associated with it. So Paul sent people to nudge them a bit, not to coerce but to remind them of a promise they made.

Giving is an individual act prompted by the Holy Spirit and our interests or passions. Are you neglecting a gift you’ve been wanting to give but just never got around to it? Now would be great time to extend that generosity. Now is always a good time to do that.