1 John 3:17-21 But whoever has this world's good, and sees his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him… I. THE SOURCE OF CHRISTIAN BENEFICENCE. Many possess a constitutional benevolence of disposition. But nothing short of the love of God can ensure obedience to His will in any department of duty, and no inferior motive can be regarded by Him with acceptance. II. THE INDISPENSABLE NECESSITY OF BENEFICENCE AS A BRANCH OF CHRISTIAN CHARACTER. Beneficence is a positive law of the Divine government, and cannot be dispensed with, save by incurring the guilt of disobedience against the supreme authority of God. Christian beneficence is most comprehensive, extending to the entire nature of man. III. THE PRINCIPLES BY WHICH BENEFICENCE OUGHT TO BE REGULATED DESERVE SERIOUS CONSIDERATION. "To consider the case of the poor" is an obligation as imperative as that of relieving it. Indiscriminate alms giving is a serious evil to both giver and receiver. Let the understanding be Divinely enlightened, and the bowels of compassion not be shut against the brother who hath need, and we may safely commit to your own judgment and feelings the extent of your benefactions. IV. ITS DEPENDENCE UPON THE GRACIOUS INFLUENCES OF THE SPIRIT OF GOD. The fruit of the Spirit is love. (John Smyth, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? |
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