1. _Sympathy._ It is the opposite of the disposition to act on the
assumption that a man's own interest and happiness is the main end of
his existence. It is the disposition that looks out to others,
imagines their case, feels for them, desires their happiness.
Difference of race, nationality, church, opinion sinks to nothing in
its presence. It asks, What is the need? Neither temporal nor
spiritual need exhausts it. Spiritual need is the chief. It desires
the salvation of all men. And when compassion for men's souls is
tenderest, compassion for their temporal sufferings is usually also
tenderest. The heart is often larger than the purse; but the
purse-strings will not be closed. Our hospitals and other
institutions for the relief of suffering and distress owe their
origin and support mainly to Christian sympathy.
2. _Ingenuity._ "_Deviseth_ liberal things." Many contribute to
benevolent objects when solicited, but never originate anything in
such a direction. There should be a thoughtful, holy solicitude to
know what is needed, and how much of it we are able to do. Those act
a useful part who discover for themselves and suggest to others
suitable and feasible methods of usefulness. There should also be
conscientious thoughtfulness as to the proportion to be established
between what God gives to us and what we give to Him in return. As
Jacob (Gen. xxviii. 20-22).
3. _Action._ Liberality does not terminate in feeling and thought
(James ii. 15, 16; 1 John iii. 17, 18). It does not devise methods of
usefulness and leave them to be carried out by others. The good
Samaritan did not look at the man who had been robbed and half-killed
on the road and pass on (Luke x. 33, 37). The woman who brought the
alabaster box of ointment and anointed the feet of Jesus showed her
love to Him more than if she had spoken a thousand endearing words.
4. _Willingness._ No selfish churl strikes out new plans of
usefulness. Such as exists he unwillingly helps, if he helps them at
all. According to the Christian idea, no amount of mere giving which
does not come from the willing heart is accepted as liberality. The
voluntary principle is alone recognised as the principle of
liberality. And voluntaryism means willinghood (2 Cor. viii. 12).
5. _Continuance._ Not by one generous act, nor by such an act
occasionally, can the title of liberality be won. Excitable persons
impulsively promise, but reflection brings them to their true selves;
and they either break the promise or fulfil it grudgingly. Some
undertake Christian work; for a time do it; perhaps do it well; but
_after_ a time weary of its inconvenience, sacrifice, and slow
results. Now the liberal man "stands by" his liberal things. The
other reading is, "adheres" to them. Continuance in the race reaches
the goal.