What Does Charity Really Mean?
When you hear the word "Charity", what do you think? For me, the first thing that comes to mind is a local non-profit organization. However, that word has so much more meaning bottled up in it than to merely mean giving money for a cause. C. S. Lewis described charity in this way in his book Mere Christianity:
. . ."Charity" now means simply what used to be called "alms"—that is, giving to the poor. Originally it had a much wider meaning. . . Charity means "Love, in the Christian sense." But love, in the Christian sense, does not mean an emotion. It is a state not of the feelings but of the will; that state of the will which we have naturally about ourselves, and must learn to have about other people.
. . . The rule for all of us is perfectly simple. Do not waste time bothering whether you “love” your neighbour; act as if you did. As soon as we do this we find one of the great secrets. When you are behaving as if you loved someone, you will presently come to love him. If you injure someone you dislike, you will find yourself disliking him more. If you do him a good turn, you will find yourself disliking him less.
With this perspective in mind, here is what Jesus says about charity: "For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. ’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? ’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me" (Matthew 25:35-40 ESV)
In the context of the story, these actions were incredibly important to Jesus. Working from the identity that they found in Christ, these people were compelled to give more, be more available, and do the hard things in order to bless others.
What are some of the ways you can activate your charity more in your life? You may think of ways that you can give food, water, comfort and clothing to others. Go ahead and do it with excitement! What about others' needs that are not merely physical? We are not limited to seeking to assist those with physical needs around us. There are also spiritual needs that desire to be satisfied by God and the gifts he gives. These spiritual gifts that we can give include good counsel, willingness to listen, sharing the Gospel, care that may be inconvenient, and grace that leaps over all boundaries and brokenness.
How do you feel God is leading you to give today?
God, help us be ready to give these things at the right times to other people each day. We desire to do more than focus on our own needs and desires. Let our lives, through your grace, be a blessing to those around us.