And though I have [the gift of] prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. (1 Cor 13:2)
Having faith in the "good" times is easy...our faith is tested during our struggles. Many of our gifts are given to us simply to show us that we "can". If you grew up like I did and lived the life that I have lived, having "faith" in anyone or anything was hard. I was always being "let down". Additionally, there are times when I think that if "they" could blame the state of the economy, the war(s) we are currently involved in, the horrific gas prices and a million other things on me, "they" would! Yes, Satan has been a very busy little creature these past few days. But I am not amused. I am, quite frankly, shaking my head in disbelief!
The word "charity" doesn't just mean giving to the poor. To be charitable towards someone is to be kind, is to have a kind or lenient attitude towards, or to be mild and tolerant in judging others. Since Jesus tells us it is not our job to judge, my guess is to go with the kindness and be a bit more lenient. I also will go so far as to say that to be open-minded would be yet another angle of charity.
Hate and disgust tend to feed off the continued circle they create. They are also both very addictive insomuch as if you hear blame laid on someone for something long enough, you will cease to draw your own conclusions and just flat out blame that person without even thinking the matter through. It hurts the one it is directed at. They no longer have a defense that will be listened to simply because your mind has been made up. No matter what they do - they are, and always will be wrong!
So what do you do??? Consider the source of the uncharitable act. Be "kind and lenient" towards their stupidity, be "tolerant" of what they have learned as a result of their surroundings. Forgive them for their ignorance. Pray that God will open their eyes and that they will humble themselves before Him (an appology to you would be nice, but it's not always necessary).
In this verse, we see that we can have everything and still have nothing. If we continue to pass blame on others, fail to see the pain we cause others and refuse to accept the fact that we may be wrong, we have nothing. Charity, as I've said, isn't just giving money or time to a worthy cause. Charity is love - love towards one another. Love begins with those around you. Try to put your own selfishness aside and look at what they might be dealing with for just a second. If you have faith in God, you can and will move mountains. If your trust is in the Creator, what could possibly happen to you that He can't handle? Don't discount the faith someone else has in God...maybe you need to try it on yourself. Maybe you need to "give up the ghost" of your dead religion and try worshiping the LIVING God for a change. Maybe you need to have just a small sliver of faith in something other than yourself or your wallet. Remember, you were a part of the decision that was made so don't be so quick to dump the blame on someone else. Accept your responsibility in it, answer for it, ask God to forgive you for ever doubting in Him and have a little patience...THAT's what faith can do!!!
