p. 9 | The Unspeakable Gift by J. S. Washburn

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Mar 28, 1907

The Unspeakable Gift

By J. S. Washburn

J. S. WASHBURN

“THANKS be unto God for his unspeakable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15. Giving is divine. It is the delight of our blessed Heavenly Father. It is the joy of our elder brother Jesus. It is the glory of the angels. God gave his Son. Christ gave his life. The one business of the angels is to minister, to give their service to the other creatures in God’s great universe.

All that he has made in nature demonstrates that the principle of giving is the very essence of divinity. The sun gives its light. The earth brings forth and gives for the service of man her fruit. The flowers breathe out their perfume. The clouds send forth the rain. The birds give their free concerts joyously, cheerfully. All nature gives.

See that mountain stream, sparkling, living, clear, giving life to that which grows upon its banks, freshness, health, and joy to the dumb creatures which God has made, and to man, their king. The mountain stream comes from above. It flows downward to man. Every good gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights.

See that pool, full of death, decay, and poison. Why?—It receives; it does not flow forth. There is no outlet. It does not give. That which ceases to give dies.

Dear brother, dear sister, if you would live, if you would be a blessing, if you would be like God, and a part of his plan,—give freely; give your best; give that which costs a sacrifice. You are sowing costly, precious seed. What a harvest of joy will return to you. How much blessing we lose when we fail to give! “He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”