“But the Arians, as being grieved at this, again devised another yet more cruel and unholy deed; cruel in the eyes of all men, but well suited to their antichristian heresy. The Lord commanded that we should remember the poor; He said, ‘Sell that you have, and give alms’ and again ‘I was a hungry, and you gave Me meat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink; for inasmuch as you have done it unto one of these little ones, you have done it unto Me.’ But these men, as being in truth opposed to Christ, have presumed to act contrary to His will in this respect also…
And when the Arians saw that the brethren readily ministered unto them and supported them, they persecuted the widows also, beating them on the feet, and accused those who gave to them… Persons were brought to trial for acts of kindness which they had performed; he who showed mercy was accused, and he who had received a benefit was beaten; and they wished rather that a poor man should suffer hunger, than that he who was willing to show mercy should give to him.”
Athanasius of Alexandria (296-373), one of the four doctors of the Eastern Church, in History Arianorum (History of the Arians) 7.61, on “The Ill Treatment of the Poor”.
Athanasius is most commonly known for leading the charge against the Arians who denied the deity of Christ, which resulted in the first council of Nicaea. Those who denied the deity of Christ also failed to live out His teachings. We see this today don’t we?
There are many who confess to follow Christ but fail to live out His teachings. Of the poor they say “they are getting what they deserve, the fruit of their sinful choices,” and even ridicule those who are selling their possessions to extend them care.
Our Lord said such things would happen. That those who followed in His footsteps would be “persecuted for the sake of righteousness” (Matthew 5:10). To the same He promised the kingdom of heaven, so regardless of what others are doing, may we be found among the brethren showing merciful care to the poor as if we are extending it to Christ Himself.
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