Some Quotes on Charity

source: www.debatingeurope.eu

Social concern and giving to those in need are key Christian values.  From the very beginning of the church it has been so,

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.  With great power the apostles continued to testify to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And God’s grace was so powerfully at work in them all  that there were no needy persons among them. For from time to time those who owned land or houses sold them, brought the money from the sales and put it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed to anyone who had need (Acts 4: 32-35).” 

This attitude of giving does not have a set quantity to it, but rather a an overflowing of the blessings we ourselves have received. Augustine wrote,

“Find out how much God has given you and from it take what you need; the remainder is needed by others.”

C. S. Lewis reflecting in a similar vein said,

“I am afraid the only safe rule is to give more than we can spare. In other words, if our expenditure on comforts, luxuries, amusements, etc, is up to the standard common among those with the same income as our own, we are probably giving away too little.” 

But what if one is poor themselves?

“If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one (Mother Theresa).”  

Which seems fitting, as we are passing on from our own blessings, as abundant or meager as they might be. Billy Graham put it this way,

“God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with.” 

The consequences of such an attitude are clear,

“Every charitable act is a stepping stone toward heaven (Henry Ward Beecher).”

Finally, “Where there is charity and wisdom, there is neither fear nor ignorance. (Francis of Assisi).”

Padre