Charity includes love of God as well as love of man. As a virtue, charity is that habit or power which disposes us to love God above all creatures for Himself, and to love ourselves and our neighbours for the sake of God. Thus, when a person with the virtue of charity in his soul assists a needy neighbour on account of the words of Christ, "as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to me". The obligation to perform acts of charity is taught both by revelation and by reason.
Hence charity is not to be performed as under the compulsion of law, but freely and spontaneously. The gift should be from the heart, for "God loveth a cheerful giver"
Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
2 Corinthians 9:7
For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you through his poverty might become rich.
2 Corinthians 8:9
The direct assistance of individuals by individuals makes possible that exchange and the equalization between giver and receiver spoken of by St. Paul, and promotes that mutual understanding and mutual sympathy which are especially necessary in our day.
People are in need of help on a daily basis, and you can help by donating money to the less fortunate, helping at a soup kitchen, donating food or clothing, writing encouraging notes, volunteering at your church, and so on. Look for needs and help fill them.
Supporting people in need, and demonstrating Christian charity does not require special knowledge or even large amounts of money. You can make a difference with just a small donation. Take this first step......
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