Your Philanthropic God

If you work for a university, arts and culture center, a health institution or a humanitarian aid society you will be very familiar with the word philanthropist. Bill Gates, Warren Buffet and Bono from U2, are currently in the news as high profile, world-class philanthropists. In a previous generation the Kellogg family and the Rockefellers were known around the world for their generosity towards humanity. Quietly, behind the scenes, there are many other philanthropists who give millions to worthy causes but do not want their names to be publicized. These people too are known as philanthropists – they love fellow man so much they are willing to part with their property and possessions for the betterment of society.

As Titus read the Apostle Paul’s letter, I wonder if he fell to his knees in prayer. Was he overwhelmed when he came across Paul’s use of the word ‘philanthropy’ in connection with God? He looked around the Island of Crete where he was laboring for the Lord. Who could imagine a lower lifestyle? It was not impressive to say the least. Now is not the time to introduce the word ‘philanthropy’ – in connection with these people! How base and how low could the human heart take people? Why can’t people apply the brakes on the road of sin and go no further? The human heart is so infested by sin it is truly a stinking swamp of slippery vile slime. But then Paul says: “Just a second Titus! We need to remind ourselves of something – our own hearts are no better than the Cretans.”

“For we ourselves also were sometimes foolish, disobedient, deceived,

serving divers lusts and pleasures, living in malice and envy,

hateful, and hating one another…”

Titus 3:3

‘Unlovable’ could be tattooed on every one of us – and not on a hidden shoulder or on an arm that’s covered up by a sleeve. ‘Unlovable’ could be appropriately stamped on our own foreheads for all to see. Titus continues to read until he bumps into the big conjunction ‘But…’

“BUT after that the kindness and

 (love) philanthropy of God our Saviour

toward man appeared (shone forth)

Not by works of righteousness which we have done,

But according to His mercy

He saved us….”

Titus 3:4

Philanthropy simply means the love of human beings. A philanthropist is a lover of mankind. God loves humans. Regardless of our vile, depraved and desperate condition, the heart of God throbs in love towards every human on earth. None are beyond the love of His heart. Before the world was formed, God loved the idea of creating a creature with which He could enjoy fellowship. When He created man, He loved him and rejoiced over him. After Adam sinned, His heart still throbbed in love towards fallen humans. The ‘love’ that Paul writes to Titus about is not a generic love – it is specifically God’s love of humans and it could not be contained. It shone its brightest at Calvary when He spared not His own Son but delivered Him up for us all.

None of us can pat ourselves on the back as having done something to merit or achieve our salvation. We had nothing to offer God. But because of His philanthropy, He had mercy upon us and saved us through our Lord Jesus Christ. Dear child of God, no matter who you meet today you are able to tell them with confidence that they are deeply loved by God. And you are too!  Take a moment to thank God today for His philanthropy.

Blessed be God, our God!

Who gave for us His well beloved Son,

The gift of gifts, all other gifts in one;

Blessed be God, our God!

What will He not bestow?

Who freely gave this mighty gift, unbought,

Unmerited, unheeded and unsought;

What will He not bestow?

He spared not His Son!

‘Tis this that silences each rising fear,

‘Tis this that bids the hard thought disappear;

He spared not His Son!

-Horatius Bonar

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Be sure to enjoy the Lord today.

Warmly in Christ,

Peter Ramsay