The Pure Love of Christ

This might be universally known, but in my congregation the word "Charity" has always been defined as the pure love of Christ.  The theme of our church's women's organization is "Charity Never Faileth" which is totally true.  In honor of the upcoming holiday, my posts this week will be dedicated to love, romance and perfect pairs.  in honor of the Sabbath day (yes this is one day late, but go with me on this one) I'm going to share my most favorite quote on Charity by Marvin J Ashton. Enjoy.

Charity is, perhaps, in many ways a misunderstood word. 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. It makes the thought of being a basher repulsive.

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 when someone doesn’t handle something the way we might have hoped. 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.

*** This post is for Sunday, February 8, 2015 ***