Article November 29, 1924 Issue

True Giving

GEORGIE T. MALSBURY

The student of Christian Science learns early in his study of two kinds of giving,—giving out and giving up. Giving out does not at first seem to be difficult; for there comes with the light of Truth the desire to have all mankind share with us the wonderful blessing of Christian Science. At this point, however, there comes the problem of knowing just how and when to give; for, as the Bible tells us, there is "a time to keep silence, and a time to speak." To give out the truth wisely and well, one has first to learn the lesson of giving up; for it is as we learn to give up self that we are able to give out the truth about God and man's relation to Him. Sin must be given up and thought purified; envy, hatred, malice, lust, revenge—all evil beliefs—must be given up for the Love that "thinketh no evil."

The more we give of truth the more we shall have; but we are also told not to cast our pearls before swine, lest they turn and rend us. We need divine wisdom and understanding, as well as the desire to bless; and it is as we eliminate self that we hear the voice of Truth. To give with no thought of return is another lesson we need to learn in true giving. Mrs. Eddy tells us in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 79), "Giving does not impoverish us in the service of our Maker, neither does withholding enrich us." We must be sure we are giving "in the service of our Maker" and not in the service of self.

The Christian Scientist is most wonderfully blessed; and the true way to express gratitude for all that has been done for us is humbly and honestly to desire to help our fellowmen, so that they too may enjoy the truth which makes men free. We often hear it said, "I should love to help, but I seem to have so little to give." Christian Science teaches that the only poverty is lack of spiritual understanding. Surely with the Bible and our Leader's writings, along with the Journal, the Sentinel, and the Monitor, from all of which can be gleaned right ideas, we dare not say we have nothing to give. This subtle argument of error talked to the widow woman at Zarephath. When first asked to supply Elijah's need, she thought she had nothing to give. Through obedience to divine Love, however, at Elijah's command, she gave what she had; and not only was his need supplied, but the belief of lack and limitation was overcome for her. And how wonderfully was the law of divine supply demonstrated when Elijah, through spiritual understanding, met her need by realizing ever present Life for her only son!

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