Day 288, Year 1

Giving Alms to Others So As To Be Cleansed

“But give that which is within as charity, and then all things are clean for you.” (Luke 11:41 NASB)

Jesus implied that the sins of the Pharisees, etc., stemmed from the love of money. The solution to the problem of greed is to give away all things within oneself. In my understanding, the action of “giving” in today’s verse refers not to a one-time action, but rather a way of life, an ongoing act of giving to those in need. The word “within” in the verse probably refers to the contents of the “cup and dish” in the preceding verse (Luke 11:39; Matthew 23:26). If this interpretation is correct, the act of giving materially is able to cleanse people internally. It is because when people continuously give, their thoughts shift to how to bless others with what they have, thereby freeing them from the gluttonous thoughts of how to obtain more.

When we give from within, we will see those in need of material support and recognize how our surplus can become someone else’s necessities and blessings. The giver’s perspective can shift away from our wealth or enjoyment, and break free from the cycle of continuous earning and enjoying. Perhaps the act of sharing during giving enables the rich to easily feel that they are in the same boat as the poor. In God’s design, material possessions are to serve human beings, not to enslave us to materialism or even hedonism. Continuous giving can change people’s perspectives; as a result, material possessions or wealth become cleansed for the givers.

Giving can change people’s lives. This is because when we understand that the Creator of life, both outside and inside, has no lust for material possessions, people can follow Him to understand all material things. When our perspectives are cleansed, our hearts are also purified. Everything is created by God, and all of our wealth is merely passing through our hands; the distinction is just in how long it is held, whether for a longer or shorter time, whether it is for ourselves to enjoy, or to give to the needy, or to disappear for different reasons. Indeed, there are situations where charity requires faith, since what we have to offer may not be surplus, but what we only have. This kind of charity changes us from having something to having nothing, while others may transition from having nothing to having something. This kind of giving, as if making oneself poor, requires faith and God’s guidance. Yet, if we believe that God is abundant, then we are willing to give as He prompts. However, for those who regularly practice giving, they have the freedom not to be bound by material possessions. On the contrary, for those who are rich, wealth often becomes something that binds their hearts as they constantly fear that it may disappear.

Reflection questions:

1) Do you think that your wealth is a bondage to yourself, or is it a blessing for you and other people?

2) Have you ever experienced the cleansing power and joy that comes from giving continuously? If not, would you like to give it a try? Why?