"Faith, Hope, and Charity"

I have always had trouble understanding charity in the since it is used in 1 Corinthians 13, "the love chapter".  Used often at weddings replacing the word charity with love, this passage is almost as well known as John 3:16.  Do we really let the words in either of these passages sink in?

Recently my husband and I ventured where few care to go...to watch a "musical" on the big screen.  Unlike some, we enjoy musical motion pictures, and our viewing of Les Miserables was no different.  We had both seen and enjoyed a previous filming of Les Miserables starring Liam Neason, so we felt sure we would enjoy this one as well.  I know this is beginning to sound like a movie review, but that is not my intention.  After leaving the movie theater somewhat inspired by the character Jean Valjean, I decided to attempt to read Les Miserables.  Even though this classic was on my high school reading list, I had never even turned the cover on the book.  I figured at 31 I might have a new found appreciation for the classics.  So, as I began reading I wondered if I was reading the right book.  All I was seeing was the descriptive background of the bishop, who I assumed was the kind heart that offered food and shelter to Jean Valjean.  After being touched by this bishop's humbleness, the main character of the movie, Jean Valjean., appeared.  I must say, the book depicts the humbleness and love (charity) the bishop showed so much better than can be expressed on screen.  It was during this moment in the book when just after being told of a dangerous criminal about town, the bishop invites a stranger into his dwelling.  Jean Valjean reports his entire life story in a matter of moments, seeming to almost want the bishop to turn him away.  The bishop offers not judgement of the man, and instead treats him as if he was a relative wearied from travel come to visit a while.  The bishop offers the best to Jean Valjean, not just enough to say he helped.  In that few pages, I understood Charity. 

I have oftentimes wondered how charity and love could be considered synonymous with one another.  My understanding of charity was giving to those less fortunate, but what exactly did that mean?  Christmas presents for a child in need, love offering for a family fallen on hard times, or a couple of bucks to the guy who found enough courage to ask a stranger for a little gas money?  No, none of that is charity.  Those instances only make the giver feel better about themselves, and only offer temporary aid to the receiver.  True charity is giving your all and best to help a fellow.  Giving a help that will not only cure the momentary need, but also plant the seed to grow and cultivate a lifetime of guidance.  This type charity is utterly and completely of Christ.  This type charity is Christ, what He stood for.  Why it has taken me 19 years after my salvation to understand this, I don't know.  I guess that goes to show you that you are continually growing in Christ, always learning His truths.

I share this in hopes that we all can make a conscience effort to explore charity and not exploit it for our own well being.

"God is Great, God is Good..."  This is the way each blessing begins in our household.  It's so simple, yet so true.

Last night as I set our plate on the dining room table and fastened our 2 year old into his booster seat, I was reminded just how great God really is.  "Daddy tum eat, say bwessing" word the words spoken by our precious gift from God.  His innocence and zeal are traits all too forgotten by us adults who drudge through life most times oblivious of the creation around us.  If we could only stop and see through the eyes of a child, how much more would we enjoy life.  Each simple task and encounter would be somewhat more treasureable. 

Just a thought to kick-off my very first blog.