Charitable giving II

Proverbs 19:17 He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

The perspective of the Jews differs from most people when it comes to giving charity or aid. Tzedakah, from the Word Zedek is a Hebrew word meaning justice or righteousness. Jews view charity as an obligation rooted in social justice. Others non Jews give out of love or pity for their fellow man. 

But what do you always mean when you say that you are giving help to a needy person? What is your first instinct when someone requests money from you? In which ways do you help them and to what degree do you help them? Many years ago a Jewish scholar and philosopher named Moses Maimonides in the 12th century categorised charitable giving in eight stages or degrees.

Chariatble degree 1: Empowerment giving which according to Moses Maimonides is the highest form of giving. This includes providing someone a means to earn money and become self reliant like connecting  or giving them to a job, capital to start their own business, entering a partnership with them in business, sponsoring someone's education through grants and scholarships, funding development projects, skilling someone in etc. This form of giving is what most donors have resorted to. They fund causes instead of giving money directly to poor nations. Do you now understand why governments do what they do? They provide services like electricity, roads, affordable education to enable people make money easily. Some people too complain why it's hard to get a coin from a rich person. Not that they cannot give but they know you will come back and need more. I learnt many years ago that you don't have to ask rich people their money. All you need from them is knowledge, a skill or simply avail yourself  to serve them. 

 

I remember our parents telling us that the only wealth they were giving to us growing up is an education. Nowonder phrases like knowledge is power, education is the key to success, knowledge is wealth etc came up. That school of thought has been downgraded these days but its and old time truth that is forever true. Other things are important but should not replace education. An educated person is self dependent and can find their way in life compared to those who aren't. Also someone who has a skill whether natural, taught or self taught can use it to sustain themselves. Nowonder there are skilling and empowerment initiatives, masterclasses, professional courses etc. A single degree is not enough. Continously educating and skilling oneself in soft skills like public speaking and hard skills like computer, sewing skills is the way to go throughout one's living here on earth.

Who can you empower today so that they don't come back to you as needy persons but as self reliant persons? You can sponsor a child's fees in the neighbourhood, buy them scholastic materials, sponsor them to go learn a practical skill. That is all charity.

Further scriptures 

Revelation 2:19 "I know your works, love, service, faith, and your patience; and [as] for your works, the last [are] more than the first.

John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.