Written by: John Sernaque
Stewardship
CCh - Counsels for the Church (1991) Chapter 48—Counsels on Stewardship
God Evaluates Gifts by the Love Which Prompts the Sacrifice
In the balances of the sanctuary the gifts of the poor, made from love to Christ, are not estimated according to the amount given, but according to the love which prompts the sacrifice. The promises of Jesus will as surely be realized by the liberal poor man, who has but little to offer, but who gives that little freely, as by the wealthy man who gives of his abundance. The poor man makes a sacrifice of his little, which he really feels. He really denies himself of some things that he needs for his own comfort, while the wealthy man gives of his abundance, and feels no want, denies himself nothing that he really needs. Therefore, there is a sacredness in the poor man’s offering that is not found in the rich man’s gift, for the rich give of their abundance. God’s providence has arranged the entire plan of systematic benevolence for the benefit of man. His providence never stands still. If God’s servants follow His opening providence, all will be active workers.508 {CCh 277.2}
The offerings of little children may be acceptable and pleasing to God. In accordance with the spirit that prompts the gifts will be the value of the offering. The poor, by following the rule of the apostle and laying by a small sum every week, help to swell the treasury, and their gifts are wholly acceptable to God; for they make just as great, and even greater, sacrifices than their more wealthy brethren. The plan of systematic benevolence will prove a safeguard to every family against temptations to spend means for needless things, and especially will it prove a blessing to the rich by guarding them from indulging in extravagances.509 {CCh 277.3}
The plan of systematic benevolence was designed by God for the benefit of man, both for the rich and the poor. But God does not look at the amount, but more so at the love and sacredness of the offering. So, if the rich are able to give freely out of their abundance, and the liberal poor man makes a sacrifice of his little, their gifts are wholly acceptable to God; but especially from the poor, for they make just as great, and even greater sacrifice than their wealthier brethren. If the poor follow the rule of the apostle and lay by a small sum every week, it will help to swell the treasury. If God’s servants follow His opening providence, all will be active workers. We know that we all still have a great work to do.
Our Most Kind and Gracious Father,
We thank You for all of the blessings that You have bestowed upon us. According to our love for You, we present our gifts. We pray that You will bless them and that they may be wholly acceptable in Your sight. May they go towards Your work of salvation, that souls may be saved for Your heavenly kingdom. Also, we pray that You will safeguard us from spending means on needless things or from indulging in extravagances with the portion that remains with us. Keep us faithful in our giving. May we all continue to freely give out of love for You and be active workers in Your cause. Save us and forgive us of our sins. We thank You for hearing and answering or prayers, in the name of Jesus Christ, we pray. Amen.
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