Those churches who are the most systematic and liberal in sustaining the cause of God are the most prosperous spiritually. True liberality in the follower of Christ identifies his interest with that of his Master. In God’s dealing with the Jews and His people to the end of time, He requires systematic benevolence proportionate to their income. The plan of salvation was laid by the infinite sacrifice of the Son of God. The light of the gospel shining from the cross of Christ rebukes selfishness and encourages liberality and benevolence. It is not to be a lamented fact that there are increasing calls to give. God in His providence is calling His people out from their limited sphere of action to enter upon greater enterprises. Unlimited effort is demanded at this time when moral darkness is covering the world. Worldliness and covetousness are eating out the vitals of God’s people. They should understand that it is His mercy which multiplies the demands for their means. The angel of God places benevolent acts close beside prayer. He said to Cornelius: “Thy prayers and thine alms are come up for a memorial before God.” {3T 405.1}

De menigheder, der mest lægger system og gavmildhed for dagen i understøttelse af Guds sag, er de mest fremgangsrige i åndelig henseende. Sand gavmildhed hos en Kristi efterfølger forener hans interesse med Mesterens. I sin handlemåde med jøderne og med sit folk indtil tidens ende kræver Gud systematisk godgørenhed i forhold til deres indkomst. Frelsens plan blev lagt ved Guds søns usigelige store offer. Evangeliets lys, der skinner fra korset, irettesætter egenkærlighed og opmuntrer til gavmildhed og velgørenhed. Det må ikke være en beklagelig kendsgerning, at der lyder tiltagende opfordringer om at yde gaver. I sit forsyn kalder Gud sit folk ud af dets begrænsede virkeområde, for at de skal begynde større foretagender. Ubegrænsede anstrengelser kræves i denne tid, da moralsk mørke indhyller jorden. Verdslighed og begærlighed fortærer livskraften hos Guds folk. De bør forstå, at det er hans nåde, der mangfoldiggør Kravene til deres midler. Guds engel stiller godgørende handlinger ved siden af bøn. Han sagde til Kornelius: »Dine bønner og dine almisser er steget op til Gud som et ihukommelsesoffer."