The Gifts of the Holy Spirit: - Vital Christianity

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Bridge and Phypers warn:
“He or she may well pass unnoticed by others, may be rarely thanked for help taken for
granted, and will certainly face the temptation to lapse into a professionalism or a
condescending attitude which has produced the expression ‘as cold as charity’. But a
cheerful spirit in such circumstances, warmed with genuine humanity and interest, will
constitute a real demonstration of the power of the risen Christ.” 26
John Wesley, at the age of 82, shows us what mercy is all about. He shared:
“At this season [New Year] we usually distribute coal and bread among the poor of
the Society. But I now considered, they wanted clothes as well as food. So on this
day and the four following days I walked through the town and begged 200 pounds
in order to clothe them that needed it most. But it was hard work as most of the
streets were filled with melting snow, which often lay ankle-deep; so that my feet
were steeped in snow water nearly morning till evening. I held out pretty well till
Saturday evening; but I was laid up with a violent flux, which increased every hour till,
at 6 in the morning, Dr. Whitehead called upon me” (Journal, Jan. 4, 1785). 27