Many Christians, especially those found in political spheres sometimes think of charity/alms as a dirty words. Charity/alms is a really important part of maintaining our unity. Through abandoning the true meaning of charity, we’ve forgotten that Christ made the greatest charitable contribution when he died upon the Cross. The difference between Christ charity and ours, is that His is personal, and empowering. He wasn’t worried if those receiving would ever be able to repay the debt…that’s not charity at all. A Christ like charity compels the receiver, as well as the giver to unity…to identification to the other. Our version of charity has become impersonal, and tends to only meet the immediate need of the people, without actually addressing their longterm needs causing greater bifurcation and disharmony between the giver and the one receiving.
“But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”
Acts 3:4-6
Reminding ourselves of the biblical meaning of charity/alms plays a vital role in making the invisible church visible in our everyday world. It keeps us aware of the grace and provision of God. Everyday charity can be money, food, or anything else given freely to the poor or needy. When the hands of a beggar are outstretched for charity what should be our first response. Often times my first response is to judge or be critical…to determine if whoever is asking is worthy of whatever I choose to give. This thinking keeps my charity at superficial level. It keeps the recipient out of reach, so that I don’t have to identify with them. If if I’m unable to identify with those receiving then it makes it even harder to live in unity with that person. My charity must go beyond my financial means, moving me toward greater unity with my brothers and sisters, as well as greater intimacy with Christ. When we can sit our judgement, pride, self-righteousness, and the fear of losing power & privilege aside; it’s there, where we’ll find the true meaning of giving…it’s there, where we’ll live out of our unity.
Just like Peter we may not have silver or gold, but what we do have is far greater. We have the gift of The Gospel, the gift of unity…the gift of love; a priceless, life giving treasure. We have alms for the soul. Jesus teaches us repeatedly how we are to treat the beggar. The difference between us and the beggar can be seen in Acts 3. We’re too proud to beg, and too selfish to give of what we have. We’ve lost touch with reality. The reality that we are all beggars in need of charity/alms. We should all be working towards becoming professional beggars.
“And a man lame from birth was being carried, whom they laid daily at the gate of the temple that is called the Beautiful Gate to ask alms of those entering the temple.” Acts 3:2
I am not bold enough to become a professional beggar. Still I am inspired by your words to give more than I have been giving. I think of alms as giving materially to the poor, who do not have. Your Jesus who gave life to the dead is like that: giving what is needed, as a gift, not asking for it to be given back later. You are bold as you compare such a Golgothan gift to our humanistic “superficial charity.” I think of your passion for released female felons, and I think you would like reading: Constance M. Baugh, “Women in Jail and Prison: a training manual for volunteer Advocates,” Justice for Women Working Group, Division of Church and Society, National Council of the Churches in Christ in the USA, 1985, pages 67-73; located in John G Mitchell Library at BV 4465B38.1985. jp
Thanks JP! I’ll definitely read that. This post was inspired by the daily wrestling I do with my flesh. Sometimes…a lot of the times actually I don’t want to give as much as God as asking me too so I either avoid giving by running, or determining through worldly wisdom what it is I should be giving. Instead of following the Sprits leading, I soak in my selfishness and fear; keeping those with expressed needs at a distance. Lord have mercy.
Ashley, wow, great words and a good reminder. It seems this week my husband and I are smack in the middle of such choices. Will we give gratefully, cheerfully or with complaining hearts? We were asked to watch our two other grandchildren while their mom takes our middle grandchild to OHSU. She is very sick and needs their expertise for healing. In the meantime our lives instantly changed with two small kids running around. It is tough to admit, though I love my grandchildren, that they make us both tired and sometimes grumpy. It becomes harder to love and give in those times. I wanted their mom back asap. But we knew this new crisis required digging deep into the power of Christ and His selfless servant heart. It meant we must pray and focus on HIm and not us. So we did! AND oh US of little faith, God responded. One of our sweet kiddos after being outside,comes running up and jumps into my arms saying, “Hi Nana, I love you!” giving me a huge unasked for kiss. What do you think happened then? Her simple loving act compelled my love to spring up from my heart which removed my grumpiness and God’s overflowing love rushed in. Christ answered my prayer, “For the love of Christ compels me…!” (2 Cor. 5: 14)Thank goodness.
Thank you Ashley, I appreciate your look at charity and unity. We do have so much to give and sometimes our pride or judgement does get in the way. Thank you for helping me see clearer in the area of giving to the homeless and destitute. Jesus did not give money but the kingdom.