In justifying our reluctance to help, we invoke reasons such as fraudulent requests, the laziness of the seekers, or our own financial constraints. Such rationalizations circulate among those hesitant to embrace their responsibilities, influencing even those who aim to be diligent and causing them to sway from the path of righteousness.
When faced with a request for help, we often find ourselves questioning the validity of the need: does the individual truly require assistance? We ponder the possibility of their lack of need while distant strangers continue to face upstream against their misfortunes. But could it not be a desperate mother seeking aid for her starving children, or a father grappling with the illness of his wife and the care of his vulnerable children? One would naturally feel compelled to assist such cases. Therefore, it is crucial to regard all requests with the same compassion and not to taint them with distrust. Imagine the pain for someone genuinely in need to perceive doubt in your gaze. This suspicion fosters sorrow rather than comfort, leaving them with even heavier hearts than before.
Is it not absurd to require proof of worthiness based on one’s appearance or how well they carry themselves? If we await for someone to reach the brink of despair before we extend our hand, what if this moment comes immediately after our refusal? The Savior's command does not apply solely to those at their lowest— those with absolutely nothing— but simply states, “to everyone that asketh of thee, give.” Approach this commandment with the mindset that each request stems from genuine desperation rather than projecting an image of perceived abundance. Allow your conscience to spur you to action, motivating you to relieve their burden.
Today, society is rife with skepticism towards the impoverished, yet the remedy for these doubts is straightforward: discern who among them truly has no needs, and only deny aid to those individuals. Refusing assistance to everyone due to the existence of false claimants constitutes a failure in our duty. St. John the Merciful exemplified this truth. He extended his generosity even to those known to be in comfort, responding to concerns of others with, “True, at that time they were in dire need.”
There are times when we ponder, “How can I afford to help others when my needs are so pressing?” It is acknowledged that one should not be compelled to give what they cannot afford; rather, charity should originate from abundance. The Apostle Paul instructs us on equitable giving, stating that contributions should align with what one possesses and not what is lacking, for “let not others be a burden to you, but instead provide joy to them.”
However, can we always justify the notion that we have nothing to offer? Do we fully grasp what constitutes our true necessities? The concept of need is subjective and can be either narrowed or broadened based on our interpretations. By excluding expenses tied to habit, vanity, worldly demands, and trivial pleasures, we would notice there is often much that can be allocated to the needy. Even when faced with what we perceive as essential needs— food, clothing, and shelter— wisdom may allow us to carve out a portion for Christ through our generosity.
Only the greedy and extravagant are hindered from charity due to claims of need. It is right to encourage diligence in work as the Apostle advises: “Let him who steals steal no more, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, so that he may have something to give him who has need.” But in using this as a rationale to abstain from giving, we must ask ourselves whether the supplicant is able to work. The elderly, the ill, and the frail cannot provide for themselves. Even if capable, may they not have opportunities for employment?
In the parable of the workers in the vineyard, the laborers without work remained idle until the eleventh hour, waiting for someone to employ them. Even when work exists, is it always sufficient to meet their basic needs? Many toil tirelessly yet still find themselves in dire straits, particularly when supporting a family. While we encourage work, it must be accompanied by provisions enabling those asking for help to sustain themselves and others.
If we refuse aid, we effectively condemn them to starvation. Many excuses arise to defend cold hearts: “Times are tough; I must prioritize my own needs,” or, “I must save something for unforeseen circumstances.” Others may rationalize their reluctance by pointing out, “I’m not the only one in need; there are others better positioned to help.” Yet these claims strip the reality from the “hard times” narrative. Hardships for those of means cannot compare to the struggles of the destitute. Hence, in such moments, it is essential to step up, not retreat.
Saving for a proverbial rainy day is wise, but it requires balance; otherwise, our fabricated fears of future needs will prevent us from addressing the true needs at hand. Does our future rely on our foresight, or is it a matter of God’s providence? Indeed, it is the latter. Therefore, foster God’s grace towards you by showing compassion to the needy, and He will grant you assurances of future blessings.
Can anyone provide an example of a house that has collapsed due to generosity? Certainly, countless stories exist of those ruined by excessive squandering. Individuals might think, “Someone else will contribute,” yet if each person adopts this mindset, we would collectively neglect the needs of the impoverished. The Lord has positioned that individual in need before you— do not let this opportunity pass.
You might suggest, “I’ll only give when it is convenient.” But is this truly fulfilling your duty to help as you should? Are you devoting the necessary attention and energy to this sacred act? Is negligence not the very reason why resources may be misappropriated?
Be mindful: to whom are you giving? Are they individuals capable of helping themselves but will rather endure in silent shame, more than those who openly plead for aid? Genuine Christian charity goes beyond mere obligation; it actively seeks out those suffering, tending to their wounds and providing them with comfort. The enemy contrives many misleading thoughts to deter kind-hearted individuals from offering assistance, leading us all into temptation at times. Let us therefore resolve not to succumb to these distractions—a weak will is powerless against truthful reflection and the unwavering judgement of God, who sees all things clearly, both in actions and the intentions of the heart.
“Blessed are the merciful.” The imperative to aid the impoverished is well understood and universally felt. The needy possess a keen awareness of this obligation, appealing with confidence to those who can assist from their surplus. Yet often, what is missing is the goodwill that ought to accompany acts of charity.
People may offer help, but frequently it falls short of true generosity; they donate while retaining a clenched heart rather than extending kindness freely. What clogs the hand from giving? It is often our misguided thoughts that divert our hearts at the crucial moment of giving. While the heart yearns to assist, external whispers impose limits on our generosity.
To combat this, the Apostle urges us to view almsgiving as planting seeds, which guides our intentions rightly and provides the fortitude needed to resist negativity. “He who sows sparingly will reap sparingly, but he who sows generously will reap abundantly.” The one who sowed their seeds does not lament but anticipates a fruitful harvest.
Thus, as you give charitably, do so without the encumbrance of fear that you are losing something. In reality, you are investing in future abundance. Like a farmer sowing seeds into the ground, he doesn’t fret over his resources but expects the earth to nurture and multiply the harvest significantly.
So too must you approach your philanthropy— with the understanding that sharing your surplus benefits you, and even the smallest act of kindness can yield bountiful returns in due time. The more generously you give, the greater the joy and satisfaction you will experience. One day, the Lord will reward you with the fruits of your generosity, revealing the hundredfold return of your acts of righteousness. Remember, the Lord brings to you one in need.
THEOSIS