prev Devotional Classic of MARCH 15 next

How to Give

Lucy Larcom, who included today’s meditation in Beckonings.

Today's Devotional

How greatly the value of a gift depends upon the manner of giving! “He who gives soon,” according to the old proverb, “gives twice.” So he who gives with simplicity, that is, with singleness of purpose, without an underhand design, without expecting praise or notice, he gives twice, thrice, a hundredfold, more than he who gives grudgingly, than he who gives late, than he who gives ostentatiously. One gift well given is as good as a thousand; a thousand gifts ill given are hardly better than none.

About the author and the source

Arthur Stanley (1815–1881) was Dean of Westminster in Britian. Lucy Larcom (1824–1893), who included his thought in her compilation Beckonings, grew up in poverty in New England where she became an inspirational poet and author.

Dean Stanley. “March 15” in Beckonings for Every Day, a Calendar of Thought, arranged by Lucy Larcom. Boston and New York: Houghton Mifflin, 1887.

Subscribe to daily emails

Containing today’s events, devotional, quote and stories