"I Don't Take Charity"

We live in a society that either gives or takes. There are those who are proud of their role as "taxpayer." These are the givers. Then there are those who seem bent on living on welfare. These are the takers. Both have a bit of an attitude imbalance. The givers won't take charity, and the takers won't give charity. When it comes to charity, there is a time to give and a time to take.

Two passages come to mind on this topic. The first is really a definition of charity. The second is the principle of giving and receiving. God, in His all-knowing and all-powerful position, gives and takes charity. We should follow His example.

First - the definition of charity - 1Corinthians 13:1-8.

Charity is "love" - unconditional love. It is not a feeling, it is a verb (something we do). It is essential in all our ministry and activities. Giving to others without actually loving them is meaningless philanthropy. We must understand that in both giving and taking charity, it is giving and taking love. Who would refuse to receive love? Who is wise who withholds love?

Second - the principle of giving and receiving - Acts 20:35 (It is more blessed to give than to receive)

We must not compete for the position of most blessed. God intends for us to be givers, yes. But with every gift given, there is also a gift received. When charity is the gift, we must also see that charity is received. I submit to you that even in receiving charity you give charity.

Consider this for a moment: when you let someone give to you, you allow them the most blessed position - a gift indeed! When you refuse their gift of charity, you refuse them the position of being most blessed. You deny them a chance to be blessed. You steal from them their opportunity of giving; and in so doing, you may very well be denying God His wonderful gift to you through that person.

Don't be one who is so self-sufficient that you cannot receive charity. Don't be one so insufficient that you cannot give charity.

Holler for Jesus,

Greg Yount

Check out my blogs:

Just-a-Thot - Devotional thoughts - http://justa-thot.blogspot.com

As I See It - Biblical perspectives on current events - http://asiseeit10.blogspot.com