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Liberality and Benevolence Shown, November 23
For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they
were willing of themselves; praying us with much entreaty that we
would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the
ministering to the saints.
2 Corinthians 8:3, 4
.
The gospel, extending and widening, required greater provisions to sustain
the warfare since the death of Christ, and this made the law of almsgiving a
more urgent necessity than under the Hebrew government. Now God requires,
not less gifts, but greater than at any other period of the world. The principle
laid down by Christ is that the gifts and offerings should be in proportion to
the light and blessings enjoyed. He has said, “For unto whomsoever much is
given, of him shall be much required” (
Luke 12:48
).
The blessings of the Christian age were responded to by the first disciples
in works of charity and benevolence. The outpouring of the Spirit of God,
after Christ left His disciples and ascended to heaven, led to self-denial, and
self-sacrifice for the salvation of others. When the poor saints at Jerusalem
were in distress, Paul writes to the Gentile Christians in regard to works of
benevolence, and says, “Therefore, as ye abound in everything, in faith, and
utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that
ye abound in this grace also” (
2 Corinthians 8:7
). Here benevolence is placed
by the side of faith, love, and Christian diligence.
Those who think that they can be good Christians, and close their ears
and hearts to the calls of God for their liberalities, are in a fearful deception.
There are those who abound in a profession of great love for the truth, and
as far as words are concerned, have an interest to see the truth advance, but
do nothing for its advancement. The faith of such is dead, not being made
perfect by works. The Lord never made such a mistake as to convert a soul,
and leave [that soul] under the power of covetousness.—
The Review and
Herald, August 25, 1874
.
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