A couple weeks ago I posted about my struggle with black Friday and the idea of how we become "consumers" perhaps even to the point of being greedy. Since then I have witnessed many of those that consume giving in big ways through angel trees, church charities and even through local businesses.
This time of year lends itself to an outpouring of mercy to others. Now, God is revealing to me that with mercy we must also be just. Justice in the form of charity should look something like dignity for those we help. I urge you to think about your donations, your gifts...are they furthering those you help, or just perpetuating their poverty and tearing down their sense of worth?
My struggle now is what this actually looks like. A model of charity that empowers rather than enables. God calls us to love and to set His people free through empowerment not through dependency. My heart aches to help those in need, but I don't desire to do so at the expense of their dignity. Often we help with great intentions not realizing we are making the poor feel even poorer.
Consider offering help in which someone is a partner with you rather than only being a recipient. This does require more of an investment on our part, but is our giving for us to feel good, or to truly help. I, by no means have all the answers. I just think God is revealing this to me through my own errors in giving. I pray that God will continue to lead me and direct me into healthier ways of showing love and mercy that is accompanied with justice. "He has shown you, Oh mortal, what is good and so what does the Lord require of you? To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with your God." Micah 6:8
