Thematic Bible: Should be urged

Now as you abound and excel and are at the front in everything -- "in faith, in expressing yourselves, in knowledge, in all zeal, and in your love for us -- "[see to it that you come to the front now and] abound and excel in this gracious work [of almsgiving] also. I give this not as an order [to dictate to you], but to prove, by [pointing out] the zeal of others, the sincerity of your [own] love also.