Be Charitable Today

9 Jul

Without cost you have received; without cost you are to give.  (Mt 10:8b)

The dictionary defines “charitable” thusly:

char·i·ta·ble  [adj.]

1.  Generous in giving money or other help to the needy.
2.  Mild or tolerant in judging others; lenient.
3.  Of, for, or concerned with charity: a charitable organization.

Many organizations have “charity” as one of their themes, goals, or mottoes.

Charity is an important part of our society.  Children learn the value of charity at an early age.  Many schools — public and private — require “service hours” so that the children can develop the practice of helping others.

Jesus hits the nail on the head in the Gospel when He reminds us of a very important point:  God has given us everything freely.  If we have received without cost from God we must, in turn, be willing to give to others — without cost.

Without cost.

That is the key phrase.

So many times, people are generous, maybe even described as “to a fault”; yet, their generosity has strings attached.

If that is the case, they are not being charitable.  They are being manipulative.

God does not manipulate us nor does He ask us to manipulate one another.

Instead, God reminds us that we should give freely, without strings attached, because that is the way we receive all of our blessings from the Lord.

FAITH ACTION:  Be charitable today in thought, word, and deed.