“So we urged Titus, that as he had begun, so he would also complete this grace in you as well. But as you abound in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love for us—see that you abound in this grace also. I speak not by commandment, but I am testing the sincerity of your love by the diligence of others” (2 Corinthians 8:6-8).
It appears that the members of the Corinthian fellowship had put aside their initial collection activities for the churches in Judea in order to address other concerns that seemed more pressing. But as Paul the Apostle subtly reminded them, it was important for the Corinthians to move forward and share their financial blessings in addition to the other gifts they possessed.
You see, Paul was well aware of the fact that the members of the Corinthian church were endowed with a number of spiritual gifts. For example, the Corinthians possessed the gift of faith and a number of other spiritual gifts as well (see 1 Corinthians 1:4-8 and 12:4-11). Yet many of those gifts represented intangible graces that primarily served to benefit the members of their local congregation.
In light of this, Paul encouraged the Corinthians to match their abundant spiritual gifts with corresponding financial gifts that would help and bless others. One commentator offers some additional insight on this passage…
“The Corinthians were strong in activities that are local to and centered upon them (miracle-working faith, charismatic speech, and theological understanding), but weak on those that are for the benefit of those outside, in this case the ‘saints of Jerusalem.’ (In the words of one commentator,) ‘Paul now called on them to remember the vastness of their spiritual resources, and to make sure liberality (generosity; ‘see that you abound in this gracious work’) marked them as a congregation, as did so many other gifts of God’s Spirit (cf. 1 Cor. 1:5, 7; 12:31; 14:37).'” (1)
Nevertheless, Paul was reluctant to issue a directive to the church in regard to this financial offering. While we might have expected Paul to use his apostolic authority to compel the Corinthians to act, he was very clear in this regard: “I am not saying this as a command…” (HCSB). Instead, Paul wanted the Corinthians to do the right thing for the right reason- and his refusal to command the Corinthians to respond in this area was part of a larger strategy: “I am simply testing how real your love is by comparing it with the concern that others have shown” (CEV).
(1) Paul Barnett, The Second Epistle to the Corinthians, pp. 403-4, quoted in Dr. Thomas L. Constable, Notes on 2 Corinthians 2017 Edition [8:7] Copyright © 2017 Thomas L. Constable. All Rights Reserved. http://www.planobiblechapel.org/tcon/notes/html/nt/2corinthians/2corinthians.htm