Giving as a sign of character.
"He hath dispersed abroad, and given to the poor" (quoted in 2 Corinthians 9:9; see Proverbs 11:24, Proverbs 11:25). The exact translation of the word suggests, not occasional or impulsive giving, but constant and systematic giving, frequent and customary giving. The temptation of riches is to love them for their own sake, and to hoard them in order to be proud of them and to rejoice in them. The Christian triumph over the temptation of riches is found in regarding them as a trust to be used in Christ's service. A man goes wrong when he thinks—These riches are mine. A man keeps right so long as he feels—I am one of Christ's stewards, and it is "required of stewards that they be found faithful." The good man is "God's reservoir, and forth from his abundance flow streams of liberality to supply the needy." "Benevolence of heart, when displayed in the benefaction of the hand, is the surest mark and fairest accomplishment of a moral and religious mind."
I. GIVING IS A SIGN OF SERVICE TO GOD. It is a way of working for him. The man who gives acknowledges himself to be a servant, an almoner. None of the things he possesses are regarded as his own. Everything is a trust for use.
II. GIVING IS A SIGN OF SYMPATHY WITH MAN. "The poor" (in some sense poor) "we have always with us." Civilization tends to make very rich and very poor. Calamities bring sorrow; many are born with disabilities. Sentiment concerning the poor is a sigh of poor character, unless it be conjoined with self-denying and wise efforts for their well-being. When the man said he felt for a poor sufferer, the Quaker replied, "I feel half a crown, friend; how much dust thou feel?"
III. GIVING IS A SIGN OF LIMITED HOLD OF THE WORLD. Compare the miser and the generous Christian in their grip of the world. The miser grips the world hard; he can have his treasure only as long as he lives. The Christian is but passing through the world, and wants to do as much good as he can while he passes along.
IV. GIVING IS A SIGN OF A MAN'S LIKE-MINDEDNESS WITH GOD. "He giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; He so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son." (See our Lord's teaching in his Sermon on the Mount, especially Matthew 5:42, Matthew 5:45; Matthew 6:1-34:144.)—R.T.