June 3rd, 2022: A Charitable Heart
1 Corinthians 13: 4-7
"Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; It does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."
I have worked with different projects to raise support for various charitable organizations for the last three months. I am thankful for the generosity of many of you. I am a beggar on behalf of the poor, the oppressed, the dislocated and the suffered.
What does it mean for us to have a charitable heart?
A charitable heart is giving. It is not about monetary giving alone. It is about giving time, paying attention, and nuturing relationships. Sometimes we can be so charitable to the great causes of the world and neglect the needs of our families. I have encountered many children and spouses of pastors and Christian workers who have suffered from such tragedy. A young man told me not too long ago his father didn't care about knowing him while telling his people on the pulpit about knowing God every Sunday. I have seen Christian leaders who fail to have a charitable heart towards what their kids and their spouses are going through. When we have a giving heart, we don't ask whether the person deserves it or not. We give because God has given us more than what we ask.
A charitable heart is hospitable. Hospitality is the gift God has given us in welcoming others. I personally know what it means to be accepted when I don't deserve it. Hospitality heals our brokenness. It does not demand justification. It offers an invitation without condition. I continue to be amazed by how God answers my prayers when I decide to be hospitable. Life is a lot more meaningful when we are hospitable. Hospitality has become a rare spiritual gift within the church because we have been selfish or self-justified by not being willing to give oursleves to others sacrificially.
I spoke at the Camp Meeting for a church down in Georgia many years ago. It took place at the campsite belonging to the church. Many congregation members built their own cabins on that campsite. During the week of the Camp Meeting, one can knock on the door of any cottage and ask whether there is room to stay. Families would welcome strangers in and stay with their families for that duration. That is hospitality at work.
God is asking us to be more giving and more hospitable in the world. Let us learn how to do that with a gracious and thankful heart.
