Meditations

Home » Meditations

Charles Haddon Spurgeon: Generosity is a reflection of maturity in grace

“Maturity in grace makes us willing to part with worldly goods; the green apple needs a sharp twist to separate it from the bough; but the ripe fruit parts readily from the wood. Maturity in grace makes it easier to part with life itself; the unripe pear is scarcely beaten down with much labor, while its mellow companion drops readily into the hand without the slightest shake. Rest assured that love to the things of this life, and cleaving to this present state, are sure indications of immaturity in the divine life.”

Charles Haddon Spurgeon (1834-1892), British Baptist “Prince of Preachers” as recounted in New Cyclopedia of Prose Illustrations ed. Elon Foster (New York: Thomas Crowell, 1877) 406.

If you are looking for aid in growing in maturity in the divine life, try Spurgeon’s Morning and Evening Daily Readings. It’s a devotional classic, which you can download freely in PDF or app form for your own daily office.

Read more

Athanasius of Alexandria: Christ-followers remember to care for the poor

“But the Arians, as being grieved at this, again devised another yet more cruel and unholy deed; cruel in the eyes of all men, but well suited to their antichristian heresy. The Lord commanded that we should remember the poor; He said, ‘Sell that you have, and give alms’ and again ‘I was a hungry, and you gave Me meat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; for inasmuch as you have done it unto one of these little ones, you have done it unto Me.’ But these men, as being in truth opposed to Christ, have presumed to act contrary to His will in this respect also…

And when the Arians saw that the brethren readily ministered unto them and supported them, they persecuted the widows also, beating them on the feet, and accused those who gave to them… Persons were brought to trial for acts of kindness which they had performed; he who showed mercy was accused, and he who had received a benefit was beaten; and they wished rather that a poor man should suffer hunger, than that he who was willing to show mercy should give to him.”

Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373), one of the four doctors of the Eastern Church, in History Arianorum (History of the Arians) 7.61, on “The Ill Treatment of the Poor”.

Athanasius is most commonly known for leading the charge against the Arians who denied the deity of Christ, which resulted in the first council of Nicaea. Those who denied the deity of Christ also failed to live out His teachings. We see this today don’t we?

There are many who confess to follow Christ but fail to live out His teachings. Of the poor they say “they are getting what they deserve, the fruit of their sinful choices,” and even ridicule those who are selling their possessions to extend them care.

Our Lord said such things would happen. That those who followed in His footsteps would be “persecuted for the sake of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10). To the same He promised the kingdom of heaven, so regardless of what others are doing, may we be found among the brethren showing merciful care to the poor as if we are extending it to Christ Himself.

Read more

Gregory of Nazianzus: One can give nothing like oneself

“Let us become like Christ, since Christ became like us. Let us become God’s for His sake, since He for ours became Man. He assumed the worse that He might give us the better; He became poor that we through His poverty might be rich; He took upon Him the form of a servant that we might receive back our liberty; He came down that we might be exalted; He was tempted that we might conquer; He was dishonoured that He might glorify us; He died that He might save us; He ascended that He might draw to Himself us, who were lying low in the fall of sin. Let us give all, offer all, to Him Who gave Himself a Ransom and a Reconciliation for us. But one can give nothing like oneself, understanding the Mystery, and becoming for His sake all that He became for ours.”

Gregory of Nazianzus (c. 325-389), one of the four doctors of the Eastern Church, in Orations 1.5

We know this of the generosity of Gregory of Nazianzus. When he received a large fortune as an inheritance, he distributed it to the poor and lived on a small piece of property. You could say he practiced what he preached.

Read more

Gregory the Great: The Proof of Love is in the Works

“The proof of love is in the works: where love exists, it works great things; but when it ceases to act, it ceases to exist.”

Gregory the Great (540-604) monk, abbot, pope, and one of the four doctors of the Eastern Church as recounted by John M. David in A Spiritual Retreat of Eight Days (Louisville: Webb and Levering, 1864), p. 273.

Gregory came from a wealthy family and to flee from worldliness chose a monastic way of living following the rule of Benedict. He dedicated his life to studying and teaching the Scriptures he became known as “the Great” for his skill in helping people apply the gospel of Jesus Christ to everyday life.

Read more

Basil of Caesarea: What are you known for?

“A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost. He who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love.”

Basil the Great, (330-379) bishop of Caesarea and doctor of the Eastern Church.

Professor Basil was known for his piety and study and for ministering to the poor and the afflicted. Despite his high position he was known for the simplicity of his food and clothing. He renounced earthly pleasures so that others could receive basic necessities.

 

Read more

Letter from St. Jerome to Heliodorus the Monk

“You believe in Christ, believe also in His words: “Seek ye first the kingdom of God and all these things shall be added unto you.” Take neither scrip nor staff. He is rich enough who is poor—with Christ.”

St. Jerome (347-420) Letter 14.1.

This statement comes in the opening section of the letter, from St. Jerome, one of the four doctors of the Western Church, to a monk named Heliodorus. His instructions are clear.

Seek first the kingdom of God and remember that if you go forth with Christ and without resources, you are rich enough, for in Him you have everything you need! Let’s live like we believe this!

Read more

John Chrysostom: Letter to a Young Widow

“Now, once for all, if you wish your property to abide with you in security and yet further to increase I will show you the plan, and the place where none of those who have designs upon it will be allowed to enter. What then is the place? It is Heaven.

Send away your possessions to that good husband of yours and neither thief, nor schemer, nor any other destructive thing will be able to pounce upon them. If you deposit these goods in the other world, you will find much profit arising from them. For all things which we plant in Heaven yield a large and abundant crop, such as might naturally be expected from things which have their roots in Heaven.

And if you do this, see what blessings you will enjoy, in the first place eternal life and the things promised to those who love God, “which eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have they entered into the heart of man,” and in the second place perpetual intercourse with your good husband; and you will relieve yourself from the cares and fears, and dangers, and designs, and enmity and hatred which beset you here.

For as long as you are surrounded with this property there will probably be some to make attempts upon it; but if you transfer it to Heaven, you will lead a life of security and safety, and much tranquility, enjoying independence combined with godliness.”

John Chrysostom (347-407) in Letter to a Young Widow 7.

Read more

Ambrose of Milan: Jesus has given us a rule to follow

“No one ought to be ashamed of becoming poor after being rich, if this happens because he gives freely to the poor; for Christ became poor when He was rich, that through His poverty He might enrich all. He has given us a rule to follow, so that we may give a good account of our reduced inheritance; whoever has stayed the hunger of the poor has lightened his distress.”

Ambrose of Milan (337-397) in On the Duties of Clergy 30.151.

Read more

Girolamo Savonarola: Sacrificial Generosity is Motivated by Love

“My Lord was pleased to die for my sins; why should I not be glad to give up my poor life out of love to Him.”

Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498) as recounted by Herbert Lockyer, Last Words of Saints and Sinners (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1969), p. 151.

Read more

Matthew Henry: The most comfortable life is secured not by having stuff but through giving service

“A life spent in the service of God, and in communion with Him, is the most comfortable life that any one can lead in this present world.”

Matthew Henry (1662-1714), proclaimed these words near the end of his life, as recounted by Herbert Lockyer, Last Words of Saints and Sinners (Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1969), p. 56

Read more
« Previous PageNext Page »