The Gospel that is Charity

The warmth of a shared meal, the gentle touch of a listening ear, the simple act of handing over an outgrown jacket – in these moments, it’s not just kindness that flows. It’s the very will of God made manifest.

As parents, we are called to nurture our children, guiding them into a life of faith and service. But how do we explain the importance of charity, of extending a helping hand to those in need? Perhaps the answer lies in understanding that kindness isn’t merely a good deed; it’s a profound expression of the gospel itself.

When Christ instructed his disciples to “go into all the world and preach the gospel” (Mark 16:15), he wasn’t simply referring to spoken sermons. Our lives, and the way we treat others, are themselves eloquent testimonies of our faith. Each act of compassion becomes a tangible way of sharing Christ’s love.

Remember the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37). It wasn’t the priest or the Levite, those steeped in religious study, who truly displayed God’s will. It was the Samaritan, a foreigner, who showed mercy, tending to the wounded man and ensuring his care. This reminds us that charity transcends boundaries and expectations. It’s about seeing the divine spark in every person, regardless of their background or beliefs. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus says, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” When we provide for the hungry, clothe the shivering, or visit the lonely, we are serving Christ himself. And in doing so, we don’t simply ease physical suffering. We offer something far more precious – hope. At a volunteering event I was at recently, a woman spoke up and said that she simply had to give testimony. In her testimony, she said something that struck me, she said something that in my poor Kikuyu translation skills translated to; God exists in acts of kindness.

Hope is the bedrock of faith. It’s the gentle whisper that reassures us, even in the darkest hours, that God’s love still shines. By extending a hand of kindness, we become conduits of that hope. We remind those struggling that they’re not abandoned, and that there’s still goodness in the world. This simple act can strengthen their faith, giving them the resilience to keep going.

So, how do we instil this spirit of charity in our children? It starts within our homes. Let’s involve them in donating clothes and toys they’ve outgrown. Together, prepare meals for a family experiencing hardship or write encouraging notes for the elderly in your community. Make giving a regular part of your routine, a woven thread in the tapestry of your family life.

Charity isn’t about grand gestures; it’s about weaving kindness into the everyday. It’s about recognizing the divine in those around us and responding with a compassionate heart. Just as a single candle can illuminate a darkened room, our simple acts of love can bring hope and healing to a hurting world. In so doing, we not only spread the gospel but also live it, reflecting the boundless love of God we cherish so dearly.