Why is it wrong to make someone feel obligated to give when you are present?
It is wrong because it pressures people to give for the wrong reason—merely because you are there personally. Paul wanted the collection for the Jerusalem saints completed before he arrived so the churches in Greece would not give out of obligation to his presence, keeping their giving voluntary rather than coerced.
Les explains that Paul had spent a year encouraging the churches in Greece to prepare their offerings for the saints in Jerusalem. He wanted the collection finished before he arrived so they would not give because of his presence. Les notes that human nature often means many intend to give but few follow through. He says you never like to make someone feel obligated to give just because you happen to be there personally on the scene. This passage concerns Christian giving in general, not a tithe or 10%.
And herein I give my advice: for this is expedient for you, who have begun before, not only to do, but also to be forward a year ago.
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