“He who forsakes all worldly desires sets himself above all worldly distress. He who loves God will certainly love his neighbor as well. Such a person cannot hoard money, but distributes it in a way befitting God, being generous to everyone in need. He who gives alms in imitation of God does not discriminate between the wicked and the virtuous, the just and the unjust…He gives equally to all according to their need.”
Maximus the Confessor (580-662) Christian monk, theologian, and scholar, in “Four Hundred Texts on Love” in The Philokalia: The Complete Text, compiled by St. Nikodimos of the Holy Mountain and St. Makarius of Corinth, Volume 2 (London: Faber & Faber, 1981) 55. Of the 400 texts, these are numbered 22-24.
Many people say we should only give to those who are deserving of our assistance. Alternatively, Maximus calls us to imitate God and give as God gives, generously to everyone. How will you and I give? Before we answer, let us reflect on this profound truth recounted by Paul in Romans 5:8. But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.
I am flying to Milwaukee tonight to speak at a conference tomorrow. Pray for safe travel and good rest tonight. Also please pray that God would show each of us avenues for serving both noble neighbors as well as the most undeserving people we know, and that He will fill us with His love to bless each of them according to their need, so as to imitate the generosity of God.