Acts of Charity

“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’” Matthew 25: 37-40

The “righteous” ones were pleasing their Lord and didn’t even know it. You would think it shouldn’t be necessary to force folks to feed the hungry, give a drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked or visit the sick or those in prison. Nevertheless, we don’t do those things. I am not sure why.

There is so much need out there that we tend to block it out. Since we can not address every problem; we decide not to address any. Charitable acts are, by their nature, selective. We sometimes say we are “called” to particular acts, and not to others. 

Successful charitable acts require discretion. We need to learn to hear and respond to the voice of God. It’s necessary to remove ourselves from the selection process. We will tend to seek acts which satisfy us either by their accomplishment or by the recognition that comes with their performance. Really charity requires the removal of self. 

Acts of charity are acts of love. 

Without love, no work is beneficial. But whatever is done in charity— no matter how small or unheralded— will bring forth good fruit. For God knows what each person is able to do rather than the greatness of what is done.

Watkins, James (2016-01-12). The Imitation of Christ: Classic Devotions in Today’s Language (Kindle Locations 526-528). Worthy Publishing. Kindle Edition.

We are saved for good works. Our job is to remove ourselves, listen to God, and do as He commands, for His glory.