Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Charity


Charity, or the pure love of Christ, is not only the heart of Christmas but the essence of His gospel.


We often equate charity with visiting the sick, taking in casseroles to those in need, or sharing our excess with those who are less fortunate. But really, true charity is much, much more.

Real charity is not something you give away; it is something that you acquire and make a part of yourself. And when the virtue of charity becomes implanted in your heart, you are never the same again....

Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet. Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down; or resisting the impulse to become offended...

Charity is refusing to take advantage of another's weakness and being willing to forgive someone who has hurt us.

Charity is expecting the best of each other.


Marvin J. Ashton


Read a cute story about a little girl who teaches an old man about charity, Tilly's Christmas, here

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