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Counsels on Stewardship
We are to give in sincerity, not to make a show of our good deeds,
but from pity and love to the suffering ones. Sincerity of purpose, real
kindness of heart, is the motive that Heaven values. The soul that is
sincere in its love, wholehearted in its devotion, God regards as more
precious than the golden wedge of Ophir.... We are not to think of
reward, but of service.—
Thoughts from the Mount of Blessing, 120,
121
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Motive for Giving Is Chronicled
I was shown that the recording angel makes a faithful record of
every offering dedicated to God, and put into the treasury, and also
of the final result of the means thus bestowed. The eye of God takes
cognizance of every farthing devoted to His cause, and of the willing-
ness or reluctance of the giver. The motive in giving is also chronicled.
Those self-sacrificing, consecrated ones who render back to God the
things that are His, as He requires of them, will be rewarded according
to their works.—
Testimonies for the Church 2:518, 519
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Higher Motives Than Sympathy
The moral darkness of a ruined world pleads to Christian men
and women to put forth individual effort, to give of their means and
of their influence, that they may be assimilated to the image of Him
who, though He possessed infinite riches, yet for our sakes became
poor. The Spirit of God cannot abide with those to whom He has sent
the message of His truth, but who need to be urged before they can
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have any sense of their duty to be coworkers with Christ. The apostle
enforces the duty of giving from higher grounds than merely human
sympathy, because the feelings are moved. He enforces the principle
that we should labor unselfishly with an eye single to the glory of
God.—
Testimonies for the Church 3:391
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Love the Principle of Action
Love must be the principle of action. Love is the underlying
principle of God’s government in heaven and earth, and it must be
the foundation of the Christian’s character. This alone can make and