CHARITY
What is charity? Most would say a non-profit organization. Today we are going to take a deeper look at the true meaning of charity:
Charity is defined as:
~ a benevolent goodwill toward or love of humanity
~ generosity and helpfulness especially toward the needy or suffering
~ public provision for the relief of the needy
The Word of God says in 1 John 3:16, “By this we know charity or love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
So the non-profit organization actually resides in you who believe.
As a practical example, I thought of a story from my childhood. My parents made little fruit baskets at Christmas time. Excited, we took them to a local nursing home and joyfully handed them out. My father, who played the guitar, and I walked through the crowded halls singing Christmas Carols with smiles on our faces. I can remember the gentle touch of some who had to have a comforting hand shake and many who had tears rolling down their cheeks ~ simply joy that someone took precious time to visit. I encourage everyone to reach out to someone in need. As a parent or guardian take the time to plant the seed of charity into your children. As an adult I continue to give out of myself for others or you could say I am bearing fruit from the seed sown in my heart as a child.
It is also important to realize charity or love is the key to our giving or serving. In 1 Corinthians 13:3, it states, “And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, but have not love, it profits me nothing.”
The component of charity or love is crucial when we reach out to others. Picture this, you are in line to receive some food, as you approach the individual who is distributing the goods you notice the attitude or heart of the giver is not so cheerful. Though the tangible need is met there is still emptiness on the inside. When we give lets show others how incredibly valuable they are.
One of my favorite passages comes from the book of Mark. Jesus was being asked, “What is the first or most important commandment?” His reply was to first love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength. The second was, to love your neighbor as yourself. He went on to say that there is no other commandment greater than these.” I always picture a cross when I read this passage.
In conclusion, remember that the Lord had such charity toward you that He gave His only begotten Son and whoever believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.
Teaching by: Amanda Brougher - www.pghdreamcenter.org