Christ’s Example of Generous Giving
STANDING at the cross, we learn to feel most for the woes of sinful men. That awful burden which Jesus is bearing, shows what wrath must lie on them who know him not. "If they do these things in a green tree, what shall be done in the dry?" * Can we believe that the Son of God became what we see him, and bore what we behold him bearing for our sakes, and refuse any burden he may lay upon us, or keep back any possession of which he has need? "Ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich." Here is over the great argument for beneficent activity and generous giving. Nor is there motive alone in it, but law. The life of Jesus is an authoritative model. "If I," he said, "your Lord and Master, have washed your feet, ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done unto you." Ah! what depth of meaning is there in these words of the apostle, so little thought of by many, too little by us all: "Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren."—Sel.