Exercise Charity

“And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins” (1Pet. 4:8). Are human beings selfish? Most will reply, “No.” When the test comes, the results will show otherwise. When it comes to one’s needs of survival, one will do anything to ensure that one will survive; even to the detriment of others. A clear case can be seen during the pandemic. During the pandemic, people often focus only on their own survival needs, without a care for others. That is why when the pandemic first broke out, people will swipe off the essential goods from the supermarkets. They were fearful that these will run out. They didn’t care if they were others who needed it more. People will stockpile the toilet rolls, rice and masks and leaving the crumbs to others. If that is not selfish behaviour, what is? Selfishness is about thinking purely of our own selves at the expense of others. As Christians, should we behave like that? We must not. Instead, we must learn to extend charity to one another. The Bible always reminds us of the needs of others. We are called to love our neighbour as ourselves. In the same heartbeat, the apostle Peter says, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” (1Pet. 4:8). The term “charity” is an old English word which means love towards another. When we see this word “charity” today, we think of the donation of money. The word “charity” refers to the exercising of love to others. Like donation, charity is about giving love to others without expecting return. When you do a donation, you don’t expect people to return you that sum of money. Hence, charity is about extending sacrificial love to others. Let me ask you one question, “How do the people in the world know that you are a Christian?” Is it because of the cross you wear around your neck? Or is it because you are carrying the Bible with you all the time? Or is it because you have a bumper sticker in your car that says, “I love Jesus”? What does Jesus Himself say about this? Jesus says, “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another” (John 13:35). Jesus says it clearly – that all men will know that you a Christian, a disciple of Jesus Christ, if you have love one to another. The charity which we extend to one another is the mark of true discipleship. If we say we love God, but never extends our love to others, we are merely hypocritical in our love. There are already many such people in this world. Please do not add your name to this list. Is it hard to love others? Of course! But does that mean a hard thing to do is not a right thing to do? No! We are called to extend charity to others, even when it is so hard for us. And that is what distinguishes us from the world. The world cannot do it because it is too hard for them. It is often hard for us to start to loving others when we have not been doing it enough and regularly. But when you begin to do it, it may be hard in the beginning but it will get easier. Love others without expecting return. That way, you will not be disappointed in extending love to others, when others do not return your love immediately. Consider our Lord Jesus Christ. He came into this world to save sinners like you and me. He lived a perfect life on earth so that He may be the perfect sacrifice for sins. Out of His love for us, He gave His life on the cross so that He may bring redemption to us. We do not deserve eternal life, yet He gives it to us by giving up His own life for it. Now, if that is not love, what is? The Bible clearly says, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:16). And what are the responses to the love which the Lord Jesus has demonstrated to this world? How many of those in the world really believed in Him? In fact, many people of the world rejected Him. Would such a response make our Lord Jesus reconsider giving His life as a ransom for many? No! Instead, His love for us is sacrificial and unconditional. The Lord extends His love and grace to all, but yet knowing that only a handful who will eventually enter the strait gate and walk the narrow way which leads to eternal life. Many will reject Him and not embrace Him. Let us exercise love to others. Do not be discouraged when people do not respond according to our own set of expectations. Remember, love is charity. So, give without expecting return. “For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister” (Heb. 6:10). HCL.