6. As Christ sent out His disciples to preach, to heal the sick, and to raise the dead, what did He say to them?
“Freely ye have received, freely give.” Matt. 10:8.
7. Why does God comfort us in our troubles?
“Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Cor. 1:4.
Note.—All who accept the gospel take upon themselves the obligation to pass its blessings on to others. In this way the work of salvation is extended. Every soul reclaimed from sin, God expects to join in the same work for others which lifted him up, and placed his feet upon the Rock. The good things of God are not to be selfishly kept to ourselves. We receive to give. Says Whittier, “The soul is lost that's saved alone.” And as love prompted God's great gift, so His love in our hearts will prompt us to give, to minister, and to engage in loving service for the welfare and the happiness of others.
8. What did Christ say of the blessedness of giving?
“I have showed you all things, how that so laboring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how He said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35.
Note.—The government of God is founded on the principle of benevolence, or the desire to bless others. Our richest blessings come as the result of the good things we have passed on to our fellow men.
“The quality of mercy is not strained,
It droppeth as the gentle rain from heaven