The Pulpit Commentary — 2 Corinthians — Section 229

. Ver. 15.-The unspeakab'le gift. The gifts of the Corinthians to their poor brethren m Judma were welcomed, acknowledged, approved. But every Christian duty and 5ervice led the mind of the apostle up to Christ himself. Earthly gifts sugaested to his mind that Gift which is heavenly and supreme. b I. Gon's GrFT TO :MAN, 1. The Lord Christ is emphatically thB Gift of God. He was sent by the Father, and his mission was a proof of the Father's interest and love. All gifts beside are pale a.nd poor, by reason of the splendour and the beauty of this. 2. The Lord Christ is the 1'nspeakab'le Gift of God ; i.e. so rich and wonderful as not to be capable of a full description. Observe: (1) Its intrinsic value. Could God birnself give a more precious treasure '.than the Son of his love? He is "the Pearl of great price." (2) Its adaptation to the needs of those to whom it is given. Christ is the Gift of bread to the hungry, of water to the thirsty, of freedom to the slave. Spiritual good was what man needed; and it was what came to man by Christ. (3) Its infinite train of blessing. We are told that " all things" are placed at the disposal of those from whom God bas not withheld his Son. .And this doctrine is one which c>xperience supports. The innumerable blessings which have come into the world with the gospel are a proof that the language of Scripture is not exaggerated. II. MAN'S GRATITUDE TO Gon. 1. It is often wickedly withheld. Our Lord was despise<i and rejected of men when he was upon earth; and there are still multitudes who are insensible to his preciousness, and who take no part in the grateful praises of his Church. 2. It is offered by appreciative hearts. They who have gratefully accepted the boon, who have tasted and seen that the Lord is good,-they are forward to acknowledge the liberality and the loving-kindness of the great Giver above. 3. It is openly and joyfully expressed by those who feel it. Hymns of grateful praise; a loving witness to the world of the Divine pity and kindness; gifts to his cause, which are accepted as offered to himself; deeds of cheerful and holy obedience ;-such are the means by which the redeemed and spiritually enriched may show forth their gratitude for the Gift which is unspeakable.-T. Ver. 2.-The contagion of charity. L AN INDISPUTABLE FACT, Man is imitative, even in generosity. Example is often potent when appeal falls flat. Many do not see that they can afford to give until others in similar circumstances demonstrate the possibility. Men do not like to be outdone in good works; a friend's beneficence is a spur to our own. II. A SUGGESTIVE FACT. When we give we often think only of the direct good which our contribution will effect, but much other good may follow. Our charity may be stimulative. Should lead us: 1. To give promptly. Delayed gift may be in time for the special object, but may be too late to induce others to give in time. Our charity must have time to work; some people take hints slowly. Bis dat, qui cito dat, is true in more ways than one. 2. To give liberally. We may curtail the charity of others. On the other hand, a liberal gift may draw forth liberal responses. 3. To give joyfully. II we give with evident gladness, others may desire to share our happin_ess. Joyful giving is more contagious than any other, since all men naturally crave for Joy. 4. To give to suitable obfects onl!f. We may misdireci the charity of o_thers. T_here is not a little responsioility attachmg to benevolence. Some seem to thmk that, if they give it is little matter how or to what they give, Ill. A co:MFOBTING FACT. The truly liberal are often distressed because they can give so little. But small gifts may have large issues, The smal! rudder directs the great ship. The little weight often turns the scale. Our gift, of little value, may call for,h large help from those wealthier than ourselves. This is likely if men see that, though we give little, we give as much as we can. IV, A. tJBEfll'L uoT, To be me.de use of e.ccording to the example aet by Paul, A oH. 1x. 1-15.J THE SECOND EPISTLE TO THE CORrn'l'HIANS. 229