«Many entreat the favor of the nobility, and every man is a friend to one who gives gifts» (Proverbs 19:6).
FRIENDSHIP
Philipp Melanchthon (Schwartzerdt actually) was born in Bretten (Germany) in 1497. He began studying at Heidelberg in 1509, and later attended Tubinga University (1512). In 1518 he became a Greek Professor at Wittenberg University where he met Martin Luther, who by then had earned huge popularity due to his 95 thesis against indulgences, which were publicized from 1517 onward. In his testament, Melanchthon confessed he had learned the gospel by listening to Luther.
But, because he protested against the papacy, things began to get difficult for Luther. «At this time, when Luther so much needed the sympathy and counsel of a true friend, God’s providence sent Melanchthon to Wittenberg. Young in years, modest and diffident in his manners, Melanchthon’s sound judgment, extensive knowledge, and winning eloquence, combined with the purity and uprightness of his character, won universal admiration and esteem. The brilliancy of his talents was not more marked than his gentleness of disposition. He soon became an earnest disciple of the gospel, and Luther’s most trusted friend and valued supporter; his gentleness, caution, and exactness serving as a complement to Luther’s courage and energy. Their union in the work added strength to the Reformation and was a source of great encouragement to God»—The Great Controversy, ch. 7, p. 134.
Melanchthon became one of the most powerful intellectuals of his time, but he didn’t keep the knowledge to himself, instead he decided to share it. In 1519, after the Leipzig Debate, he openly took Luther’s side and, starting in 1521, he was one of the spokesmen of the Protestant Reformation theology. Thanks to his great knowledge, he wrote manuals in almost eve1Y field, which is why he might have exerted greater influence than Luther himself in the development of the Reformation.
Generosity is an essential virtue that every son of God should nurture during their passage through this world. That’s why it’s important for you to learn to share what you have, be it little or much. Don’t get used to receiving all the time. Learn to give instead. So then, even when you are no longer here, the mark of your kindness will be imbued in the experience of those who knew you and will impact the lives of those that didn’t have the opportunity to live with you. Ask the Lord today to help you be a generous person.