Editorial April 23, 1932 Issue

Giving

Clifford P. Smith

"Freely ye have received, freely give." Although the Master delivered this precept directly to his first disciples (Matt. 10:5–8), it applies to all who have received his teaching. It applies, in different degrees, to all who have studied, earnestly and with open thought, the authentic record of his teaching. The conclusion is reasonable that the Bible (the New Testament particularly, but also the Old Testament by reference) contains the full gist, the substance, of what Christ Jesus taught to his immediate disciples—the twelve and the seventy. Every Christian, therefore, has received Christian teaching, and so is obligated to give in the measure of his receiving.

Necessarily, different individuals and different classes of Christians have received the Master's actual teaching to different extents. There are but few avowed Christians who have been neither aided nor hindered by denominational teaching. We Christian Scientists affirm and are convinced that we are in a comparatively favorable position to receive, because we regard Christian Science as the guide "into all truth" of which Christ Jesus said, "He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you" (John 16:12–15). Hence, we acknowledge and appreciate that we have a corresponding duty to give.

As Christian Scientists we have a further advantage in that we have been taught how to receive; we have learned, or have been taught, how to acquire in order to give. We have learned to know man's relation to God—to "divine Principle; Spirit; Soul; incorporeal, unerring, immortal, and eternal Mind" (Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures, by Mary Baker Eddy, p. 588). We have learned to know the Principle and source of all that is good; and from the Giver of all good we have received a commitment of talents. Consequently, we must account for them in full; and every day is the day of reckoning.

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