Although they should spend every penny!

(John Angell James, "Christian Love" 1828)

"If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender
 my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain
 nothing!" 1 Corinthians 13:3

This representation of the indispensable necessity
of Christian love, is most striking. It supposes it
possible that a man may distribute all his substance
in acts of apparent beneficence--and yet after all be
without true religion!

Actions derive their moral character from the motives
under the influence of which they are performed.

Therefore, many actions which are beneficial to man,
may still be sinful in the sight of God, because they
are not done from a right motives!

The most diffusive generosity--if prompted by pride,
vanity or self-righteousness--is of no value in the
eyes of the omniscient Jehovah! On the contrary, it
is very sinful!

It is too evident to be questioned, that many of the
charities of which we are the witnesses, are done from
any motives but the right ones. We readily see that
multitudes are lavish in their monetary contributions,
who are at the same time totally destitute of love to
God. They are, as it respects real religion, less than
nothing, although they should spend every penny
of their property in relieving the needs of the poor!

If our munificence, however great or self-denying, be
the operation of mere selfish regard to ourselves, to
our own reputation, or to our own safety--and not of
pure love--it may do good to others, but will do
none to ourselves!

"If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender
 my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain
 nothing!" 1 Corinthians 13:3