Give, and it will be given to you. A full amount will be poured into your lap, pressed down, shaken together, and running over. The same measure you use for others will be used for you.”
Here’s what I mean: The law was introduced 430 years after the covenant God made with Abraham. It can’t cancel their agreement or get rid of the promise.
So let me tell you—and I’m speaking for the Lord as I warn you: You must not live the way the Gentiles do any longer. They’re not able to think things through correctly.
Here’s what I mean. One of you says, “I follow Paul.” Another says, “I follow Apollos.” Another says, “I follow Peter.” And still another says, “I follow Christ.”
So I thought I should encourage the brothers to visit you in advance and help you finish collecting the generous gift you had promised. Then it will be ready as a gift that’s freely given, not as one that’s given reluctantly.