Prayer and Promises

THE PROMISE 

They are being tested by many troubles, and they are very poor. But they are also filled with abundant joy, which has overflowed in rich generosity. For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will.

— 2 Corinthians 8:2,3, NLT 

THE TESTIMONY 

All that you possess is the Lord’s property, his lent treasure. He now calls for part of it to help to advance his work.

Pray that God will give you liberal hearts, that you may be led to open your hands and give freely of your means. As a people standing distinct and separate from the world, you are, by your imitation of Christ’s self-denial and sacrifice, to give evidence to the world of the power of the truth to transform and sanctify the character and to cleanse the heart from selfishness. When you joined the church of God, you placed yourself under the laws and principles of a higher world. You took your place in the divine theocracy, under an authority higher than any earthly authority. 

Give back to the Lord his own, and thus acknowledge that a Supreme Will controls your will, filling you with the self-sacrificing spirit of Christ. Do this heartily, as unto the Lord. Do we not believe that the end of all things is at hand; and should we not, therefore, hold our possessions subject to the Lord’s order? 

We are never to give unwillingly. We are to show to the heavenly universe and to the world that we are willing to make any sacrifice for Christ’s sake. We are to be imparters as well as receivers of his precious gifts. By following the example of him who gave himself without reserve to save a perishing world, we are silently to condemn the selfishness and covetousness of the world. Thus we proclaim that we are under the absolute control of a Power higher than human responsibility, even a Supreme Will. Thus, too, we show that we are co-operating with the author and finisher of our faith. 

As the calls for help shall come, may the Lord help us to remember that by self-sacrifice in the daily life, by a careful expenditure of his money, we are enabled to help his work in times of emergency. Your acts of helpfulness at times when help is so much needed are an evidence that you are building with the Lord Jesus. 

My brethren and sisters, you must impart if you would continue to receive the gifts of God… the Lord will bless you in giving. 

— The Medical Missionary, January 1, 1903 

THE RESPONSE 

My Father God, cleanse my heart from selfishness and give me a liberal heart. May Your Will control my will that I may be lead to open my hands and give generously to Your cause. Fill me with the self-sacrificing spirit of Christ, who gave Himself without reserve to save a perishing world. I praise You for all Your blessings and pray I may be an imparter as well as a receiver of Your precious gifts.