Charity and Christ's Character

James 2 challenges us to show charity toward others, and by so doing, we demonstrate the character of Christ.
14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.  So, if we say we believe in Christ, we demonstrate our love for Him and His indwelling presence by the works in which we engage.   We reflect the character of our God as we allow Him to work through us and meet the needs of others.   Selfishness will act as a barrier to releasing the power of Christ, the spirit of thanksgiving - but, out of a heart of gratitude to God, we allow a spirit of Christ's love to motivate us to take our eyes off ourselves and place them on our Savior, so that others can see Him.

2nd Corinthians 9 illustrates for us how our generosity will produce thanksgiving to God:
12 This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of God's people but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. 13 Because of the service by which you have proved yourselves, men will praise God for the obedience that accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing with them and with everyone else.


I talked last week about releasing the power of thanksgiving.  And, I searched through the pages of a Google search to see all sorts of ways that people were engaging in charity over the Thanksgiving weekend.   It occurred to me that when Christians receive press coverage as a voting bloc, that we see all sorts of negative characterizations, but the coverage for our charity is generally positive.   I think we become an effective, visible demonstration of the character of Christ when we are serving others, and in that personal ministry to people in need, God can use us to prepare the way for people to receive His love, and perhaps even to accept Jesus as their Savior.

And, while the government is struggling to try to fulfill its obligations to people who have fallen on tough times, the church has the people, the resources, and the clear instruction from Scripture to go out and meet needs.   Maybe during this holiday season we can be more sensitized to reaching out to the people around us on a regular basis - and going beyond just sharing resources, but also teaching them how to use the skills that God has given them to become, as we might say, self-sufficient.

We reflect the character of Christ as we are givers.   The Dallas Morning News is telling stories of people, not necessarily Christians, who have become more sensitive to the needs around them.  There's the story of
Stephanie King, whose family fell on hard times and she became more aware of other people’s struggles. The experience stirred her compassion. When she got back on her feet, she felt a calling to make a difference in small, random ways. The Frisco woman began by sending a check or a gift card in the mail to someone who needed it.

About a month ago, King started the Be a Blessing (B2) Challenge. Participants buy a B2 Challenge bracelet and a card that says “God wanted me to remind you that he loves you.” Once a month for one year, participants are asked to bless someone with a random act of kindness and give the person the bracelet and card.

King’s goal is to bless a million people. So far, she’s at about 500 — but the challenge has spread to 23 cities in 11 states and two countries.


As part of the challenge, King joined up with two other families to help the homeless on Thanksgiving Day. She took her three children downtown this afternoon to give a blanket, coat and a home-cooked meal to homeless families they ran into. She also included a bracelet and card.  

I believe the Bible teaches us that the things we think we possess ultimately belong to God.   If we are devoted to acquiring stuff, then we become prone to a selfish mindset, but if we desire to acquire the things that last - blessings from God, eternal rewards, and the peace that comes from obeying God - then we will respond to the needs of the people around us.    We can become the visible manifestation of the presence of Almighty God.   What does God look like?   I do believe that He is reflected in our charity.