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. {3T 398.3}

De fattiges, gaver, der ydes af kærlighed til Kristus, bliver i helligdommens vægtskål ikke vurderet efter det beløb, (399) der skænkes, men efter den kærlighed, der tilskynder til gaven. Den gavmilde fattige, som kun har lidt at give, men som giver dette med glæde, vil lige så vist opnå Jesu løfter som den rige, der giver af sin overflod. Med sin lille skærv bringer den fattige et offer, som han virkelig føler. Han nægter sig virkelig noget, som han behøver til sin egen bekvemmelighed, medens den rige giver af sin overflod og ikke mærker noget savn, ikke nægter sig noget, som han virkelig trænger til. I den fattiges offer er der af den grund en hellighed, som ikke findes i den riges gave; for de rige giver af deres overflod. Gud har i sit forsyn forordnet hele planen for systematisk godgørenhed til gavn for mennesket. Hans forsyn er altid i virksomhed. Dersom Guds tjenere følger, hvor hans banebrydende forsyn åbner vejen, vil alle blive aktive arbejdere.