The Gift of Giving by H. M. Mitchell

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Washington, D.C. · Dec 17, 1903

FromReview and Herald, Vol. 80, No. 50.

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The Gift of Giving

By H. M. Mitchell

H. M. MITCHELL

“INASMUCH as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”

“I gave, I gave my life for thee, What hast thou giv'n for me?”

“O, ’twas love, ’twas wondrous love, the love of God for me; It brought my Saviour from above to die on Calvary.”

As I think of the sentiments expressed in these quotations, and look over my own experience, I can only wonder at the little I have done for my Saviour.

Then my mind turns to the statement by Paul in 2 Corinthians 8, where he accounts for the liberality of the Macedonian brethren by saying that they “first gave their own selves to the Lord.”

My dear brethren and sisters, let this be our keynote in the future; and as our hearts become filled with his abiding presence, our souls will respond with the material assistance that is now so much needed to do “it unto one of the least of these my brethren.”

If my brethren all over the field could witness the offerings coming in for nearly three years, as I have done while acting as treasurer of the General Conference and Mission Board, and read the letters from God's poor (but rich in faith), in response to the many appeals for help, some giving their last cent, others dividing a pittance in order to help, sending the same with praises and thanksgiving, and all wishing they could do more, I am sure hearts would be melted to do more than has ever been done in the past.

Brethren, let us seek the Lord and draw nigh to him by sacrifice, and God's sweet Spirit will be such a blessing as we have never enjoyed.

If we study the love of God for us, and contemplate his long-suffering to usward, that it is for our salvation, we shall certainly give ourselves to him.

May the Lord help us to hasten his soon coming.