We see a homeless man asking for money as we walk through the city, we ourselves that we would give him money, but he might use it for harmful things and only make his situation worse, so we decide not to give him anything and continue on our way. Is that the real reason why we don’t want to give to someone? Or is there a deeper reason for our choice? Perhaps, we are concerned about losing money, or perhaps we believe “what’s the point? We don’t receive nothing in return!” Unlike when we make a purchase, at least we have something to show for that! There are a variety of reasons why we are hesitant to help those who are in need, but why?
There are times when I find myself in this position, making excuses for not helping those who are in need. I then recall a book I’ve read before by St. John Chrysostom that dealt with wealth and poverty. St. John addresses the human dilemma of compassion and judgment, in regard to wealth and poverty. St. John presents six sermons on these subjects, based on the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31). It’s well worth your time to read! Even if you consider yourself to be a generous giver, you should read it!
A short excerpt from the book that I’d like to focus on:
“If we provide for those in need, we shall obtain great plenty. This is why God has allowed you to have more: not for you to waste on prostitutes, drink, fancy food, expensive clothes, and all the other kinds of indolence, but for you to distribute to those in need. Just as an official in the imperial treasury, if he neglects to distribute where he is ordered but spends instead for his own indolence, pays the penalty, and is put to death, so also the rich man is a kind of steward of the money which is owed for distribution to the poor. He is directed to distribute it to his fellow servants who are in want. So if he spends more on himself than his need requires, he will pay the harshest penalty hereafter. For his own goods are not his own, but belong to his fellow servants. Therefore let us use our goods sparingly, as belonging to others, so that they may become our own. How shall we use them sparingly, as belonging to others? When we do not spend them beyond our needs, and do not spend for our needs only, but give equal shares into the hands of the poor. If you are affluent but spend more than you need, you will give an account of the funds which were entrusted to you. This happens also in great households. Many people have entrusted their financial affairs to their household servants. Those who have received this trust keep what has been given to them, and do not misuse the money, but distribute it where and when their master directs. You also must do this. For you have obtained more than others have, and you have received it, not to spend it for yourself, but to become a good steward for others as well.”
We might read this and think to ourselves, “Oh, I’m not rich, so this doesn’t apply to me.” And financially that may be true, but what about our true riches? We are rich if we have loved ones around us, a roof over our heads, food, and clean water, a job, and a car. Those of us who have all of these things and more have a responsibility to help those who are in need.
So, to return to my title, why does it hurt to give? Giving hurts because we are attached to the things we own, such as money, possessions, and so on. Because we THINK we own these things in our heads, it’s difficult to let go of the notion of what’s “mine.” As a result, when the opportunity to give presents itself, we find it difficult to let go because we don’t want to lose “our” possessions.
When we begin to think in the opposite way, “these things are not mine but are for others to share in,” we become free of our attachment to material possessions; it’s an amazing feeling to be free of them! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not advocating for giving away all of your assets so that you and your family can suffer, but rather a return to a more simple way of living. According to the reading above, St. John is telling us not to overspend on ourselves, but rather to spend on our needs and give the rest to those in need.
This world has taught us that owning the things we acquire on this earth is good and right, that we should build up and hold on to them, and that we should constantly indulge ourselves in a life of comfort. Is it possible that we’ve fallen into this trap? If that’s the case, it’s not too late for a change in mindset. We become a changed, and stronger Christian when we realize that these possessions are not for me, but for others.
To end, look at what our merciful God tells us in Luke 6:38:
“Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.”
When we start to give without worrying, without thinking, without this idea of ownership over our possessions, God blesses us even more! With that being said, that shouldn’t be our intention to give, our intention should always be out of love and mercy towards our brothers and sisters in need. God bless and strengthen you always.
If you have any questions or comments, I’d love to hear from you!
Christian Blog & Shop 