Dictionary.com defines charity as the following:
- Generous actions or donations to aid the poor, ill, or helpless: to devote one’s life to charity
- Something given to a person or persons in need; alms: She asked for work, not charity.
- A charitable act or work
As we think of charity, I believe that most of us envision that first definition. I believe that it goes much further and can be more along the lines of the third definition. We can perform enough charitable acts that it starts to become a part of our character. I believe this character trait of charity is engrained in most Americans. We are continually recognized as the most charitable nation on earth and I believe it comes from this foundation.
Charity does not have to be something super complicated. The New Testament defines charity as the pure love of Christ. Taking that simple definition, even for those not of a Christian faith, one can simply exercise it as a love and concern for their fellow man. The simplest way to be charitable is by simple acts of kindness in your own home. My wife likes the fact that on our website I mention doing the dishes. It can be spending a few extra minutes with your kids, sending a kind note or email to a family member in the middle of the day, the possibilities are endless.
From our homes we can move out to our streets and neighborhoods. You can bring in the trash cans for your neighbors. Help somebody in the neighborhood with a project. As we perform acts of charity starting from our homes and spreading into our neighborhoods we start to have a positive effect on those we come in contact with. At times in my life when I have focused on being more charitable I have felt happier and more upbeat. So much so that those I came in contact with me noticed a positive change in my persona.
Through our church, there is a special event being sponsored in August. A community yard sale is being organized. This however is not your typical yard sale. It is not designated to raise funds for a cause or anything like that. Everyone in the community, not just church members, is being encouraged to bring items they do not need or don’t use on Friday. Everything will be organized and then on Saturday the community is being invited back to see if there is anything they can use and just have it. I am excited because it is an opportunity for the community to stand together and help each other out during tough times.
Charity spreads like wildfire amongst not only those who contribute and perform charitable acts. It spreads amongst those on the receiving end as well. These individuals then see an opportunity to pay it forward, in whatever way that they can.
Benjamin Franklin stated this as his creed, “That there is one God who made all things. That he governs the World by his Providence. That he ought to be worshipped by Adoration, Prayer and Thanksgiving. But that the most acceptable Service of God is doing good to Man.”
Let us work together to strengthen ourselves, our families, and our communities through random acts of charity and kindness. As we do this we will strengthen our resolve to work hard and to contribute as individuals, lifting ourselves as we lift those around us.
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