The Giver Is the Gainer.
By R. F. Cottrell
“REMEMBER the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35. If all believed this assertion, there would be less desire to receive, and more would covet to be givers. Yet it is doubtless true, whether it is believed or not. The apostle Paul calls attention to this saying of our Lord, which had otherwise remained unrecorded; and his life and labors were such as to convince all that he, for one, believed it true. His own hands had ministered to his own necessity and the necessity of those who were with him. He had set an example so that others might willingly labor to support the weak. And in harmony with this great truth concerning giving and receiving, he says to the Philippians, “Not because I desire a gift; but I desire fruit that may abound to your account.” Phil. 4:17. Here the same principle is required. The fruit of giving abounds to the account of the giver. He is the gainer. All have the privilege of sharing in this fruit. The blessing is not confined to those who can give largely. The pureness of the motive is weighed, rather than the gift. The large gift given to be seen of men and admired by them, has its reward in human honor and applause. “Verily, they have their reward.” They gain the object sought; but it is worthless. But the mites given by the poor, with an eye single to the glory of God, amount to more than all such; yes, and more than all that is given with good motives from those that have an abundance, and consequently feel not a sacrifice. And it should not be forgotten by ministers that the priests who received tithes from the people had the privilege of giving a tithe of the tithes thus received to the Lord. Those who receive means consecrated to God have the privilege of doing something that may abound to their account. If they fail to embrace this privilege, they are the losers; since they permit the blessing which might be theirs to rest upon others. If they receive much, they certainly cannot afford to lose this privilege; but if they receive but little, by withholding, they sell it very cheaply. Can they afford to sell out cheaper than Esau did? R. F. COTTRELL.