Loving the Poor

I intend to write a much longer blog about my thoughts on the message at ACL this morning and will do so when I can post a link to the message from the ACL website. And, once I feel I've actually processed properly what all I heard. For now, this one blurb from the sermon has really been hitting home with me today and I'd like to share it with you. It was spoken to a congregation by their pastor, Robert M'Cheyne in Scotland 150 years ago. In my opinion, he nailed it.


“I fear there are some Christians among you to whom Christ can say no such thing (“Come thou blessed….and inherit the kingdom “ from Mathew 25:34). Your haughty dwelling rises in the midst of thousands who have scarce a fire to warm themselves at, and have but little clothing to keep out the biting frost: and yet you never darkened their door. You heave a sigh, perhaps, at a distance, but you do not visit them. Ah! My dear friend! I am concerned for the poor but more for you. I know not what Christ will say to you in the great day……I fear there are many hearing me who may know well that they are not Christians, because they do not love to give. To give largely and liberally, not grudging at all, requires a new heart, an old heart would rather part with it’s life-blood than it’s money. Oh my friends! Enjoy your money; make the most of it; give none away; enjoy it quickly for I can tell you; you will be beggars throughout eternity.” - Robert M'Cheyne