Here’s what I think would be the best thing for you to do. Last year you were the first ones to give, and you were even the first ones to want to give.
I know how much you want to do that. I’ve been bragging about you to the people in Macedonia. I’ve been telling them that you who live in Achaia have been ready to give since last year. Your eagerness has stirred up most of them to give as well.
Now let me speak to those who are engaged. I don’t have a direct command from the Lord for you. But I’d like to give my opinion as someone who, by the Lord’s mercy, can be trusted.
On the first day of every week, each of you should put some money aside. The amount should be in keeping with how much you’ve made. Save up the money so you won’t have to take an offering when I come.
But now I’m going to go back to bragging, even though there’s nothing to be gained by it. I’m going to talk about visions and revelations from the Lord.
You say, “I have the right to do anything,” but not everything is helpful. “I have the right to do anything,” you say, but not everything builds us up.
Some of you are saying, “I have the right to do anything.” That may be true, but not everything is helpful. If you say, “I have the right to do anything,” you should also say, “But I won’t be controlled by anything.”
But truly I tell you, it’s for your good that I’m going away. Unless I go away, the Helper won’t come to help you. But if I do go, I’ll send him to you.