Let the people witness the hand of God at work rather than the hand of the government.
Someone asked me today why my organization uses funds to help people when there are numerous social programs provided by local, state, and federal governments. He pointed out that many churches and nonprofit organizations have diminished their charity work or community care programs. He argued that since we pay taxes that fund these social programs, what is the purpose of using donations for charity or community care when government programs exist? He makes a valid point, noting that churches and nonprofits typically allocate only about 3% of their budgets to charity or community care initiatives, with many organizations focusing their charity work internally, claiming it fulfills the biblical call to serve others.
Let me explain the broader context of charity work and community care programs. The Emergency Relief Administration was initially established by President Hoover in 1932 to provide loans to states for relief programs. My wife reminds me under President Roosevelt, Congress then authorized the Federal Emergency Relief Act to support similar initiatives during FDR's first hundred days. These social programs were designed to relieve the burden on churches and organizations that were actively helping people during the Great Depression. The first non-profit organization is often celebrated as a pioneer of modern philanthropy, dedicated to uplifting education, giving assistance to veterans in the Southern states after the Civil War, and offering vital support to churches. The Tax Reform Act of 1969, with its defining "Section 501(c)(3)," laid the groundwork for countless non-profit organizations in the United States, inspiring a legacy of service and commitment to the greater good. The purpose behind the 501(c)(3) designation was to ensure that churches operate independently from government funding, honoring the vital principle of separation of church and state. This marked the beginning of faith-based organizations helping the churches to reach out to their communities while upholding the integrity of this important separation.
Over time, these social programs expanded, providing crucial support. Many organizations began to lean on government assistance rather than fundraising for their own charity work. Consequently, they shifted their resources toward internal needs, believing taxpayer-funded programs were sufficient. Churches and organizations recognized a decline in revival and attendance, prompting them to explore various strategies to attract visitors and volunteers. Initially, these efforts were successful—people were coming to faith, getting baptized, and church attendance was increasing. However, now we see a reversal, with church attendance and organizational involvement declining.
The roots of social welfare are profoundly embedded in the Christian tradition. From the very beginning of the biblical narrative, the call to love and care for others resonates strongly. The Old Testament law beautifully outlines how communities should provide for those in need, emphasizing hospitality to strangers and foreigners (Exodus 22:21, Hebrews 13:2), permitting the poor to glean in the fields for sustenance (Leviticus 19:9-10, Ruth), and ensuring that widows and orphans receive care (Deuteronomy 14:28-29, 26:12).
In the New Testament, a new and inspiring challenge emerges in the call to care for the poor. It urges us to reflect on the life of Christ and Paul in our conduct and attitudes toward those who have less. Caring for others, especially the less fortunate, is not merely an act of benefit but a profound recognition that each person in need is made in the image of God.
The CA Jail Outreach will operate as an organization that dedicates the majority of its funds to charity. We understand that operational bills must be paid, but our mission is to conduct charity work without strings attached. We will provide individuals with a Bible, a salvation tract, a Christian-based curriculum for toddlers, and a prayer card, assuring them that God has them in mind. If you want change in your community, increase the charity budget. Lets take back charity work from the goverment and put it back into the church and organzations. Let the people witness the hand of God at work rather than the hand of the government.
When a church joins forces with a nonprofit, it ignites awareness of community issues and needs, empowering more effective solutions to uplift those in need. Together, we place God at the forefront of our challenges.
Here are some uplifting examples of what the Bible teaches about charity and the transformative ways we can embrace it. The word "charity" in the King James Version of the Bible primarily means "love," especially in 1 Corinthians 13, where it translates the Greek term "agape." It signifies "giving" only once, in Acts 9:36, describing Dorcas as "full of good works and charity," highlighting compassion towards the poor. The Bible emphasizes our responsibility to care for those in need, illustrated by Jesus in the parable of the sheep and the goats, where acts of kindness are seen as service to Him (Matthew 25:34-36, 40).
John warns against indifference to others' needs (1 John 3:17-18), and James challenges the notion of faith without action, asserting that true faith is accompanied by good deeds (James 2:14-17). When considering charitable actions or organizations, we should act thoughtfully and seek God's guidance, as shown in Paul's instructions to Timothy regarding the care of widows (1 Timothy 5:3-16).
Charity transcends monetary giving. For instance, in Acts 3:6, Peter offers healing instead of coins. God's instruction to the Israelites, to leave portions of their harvest for those in need, reflects the principle that all we have belongs to Him (Deuteronomy 24:19-22). Recognizing our resources as God's provision leads us to appreciate His love, prompting us to share generously, as we are called to be "blessed to be a blessing" (Genesis 12:1-3). Ultimately, our care for others is a testament to our relationship with God, embodying His love for us (Luke 6:38).
The Bible tells us that charity is a form of love characterized by giving to others without expecting anything in return. Here are a few Bible verses that discuss the importance of charity:
1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Describes charity as patient, kind, and not envious, boastful, or arrogant. It also says that charity is not easily provoked, does not seek its own way, and does not rejoice in wrongdoing.
1 Peter 4:8
Says that charity should be fervent among people and that it can cover a multitude of sins.
1 Corinthians 13:13
Says that charity is one of the three things that abide, along with faith and hope, but that charity is the greatest of the three.
Matthew 25:34–46
Describes how Jesus taught that people should give food to the hungry, shelter to the homeless, and clothes to the poor. Jesus also said that visiting the sick and imprisoned is as if doing these things for him, and that people will inherit his kingdom if they do these things.
In Christian thought, charity is considered the highest form of love, representing the reciprocal love between God and humanity.
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