The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. Matthew 26:1

During this Christmas season, I am always struck with people’s generosity. Almost every night on the news, there are short segments about how to donate to local food banks, crisis centers and homeless shelters through private and public agencies like the Idaho Food Bank. Companies like Les Schwab and Albertson hold massive food drives for those who are food insecure, with thousands of well stocked food boxes prepared both at Thanksgiving and Christmas. Boise and McCall are not unique in these projects. We Americans have a great national spirit of generosity to give to those less fortunate than ourselves. Yet, I have to wonder why such acts of American generosity are not celebrated more in the media or why it is the average citizens who are donating time, energy and resources instead of celebrities? Instead of the constant grousing which is defeatist and counter productive to unity and tolerance, would it not be a welcome, healing change for us to rejoice that we are so blessed and that we can share freely of our abundance? But that is not the agenda of today’s cultural social justice warriors.

In my years at the food bank in McCall, I saw the needs of the poor every week. Valley and Adams Counties are difficult areas for people to earn a living wage, let alone live comfortably. Families live on the edge due to high cost of living, seasonal work fluctuations and affordable housing shortages. I saw many families dependent on the food bank to survive. Yes, there were some who abused the system. Yes, it wasn’t always right or equitable, but the danger came in judging whether someone really needed the help. We operated on the assumption that all who came were there for help. Many times it was more than food that was needed. Being accepted, loved and ministered to were the true alms given to the hungry and broken.

The giving of alms is a Biblical mandate and has been a Christian practice throughout the centuries. The poor and destitute are the conscience of our own righteousness with God. The prophet Isaiah’s words are especially relevant during this time.
And if you give yourself to the hungry And satisfy the desire of the afflicted, Then your light will rise in darkness And your gloom will become like midday. Isaiah 58:10

If we give alms to the poor, we will be lifted out of darkness. Personal depression, hopelessness and despair will also lift off of us. What an incredible promise! What a way to stand against the gloominess and negativity trying to suffocate and crush our spirits! Something happens within our souls when we give to another. Proverbs says that generosity is not just a kind act because
One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the LORD, And He will repay him for his good deed. Proverbs 19:17

Jesus doesn’t mince words about how we’re to treat those less fortunate than ourselves, Reiterating Isaiah 58:7, the Lord says we are to feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, clothe the naked, visit the sick and imprisoned. To us who have been given much, much is therefore required. His commandment is not just for now,when we’re feeling in a generous Christmas mood. Generosity and alms giving should resonate in our hearts all year long. We are to emulate our Lord and Savior for who else in all the history of mankind has been more generous than Jesus?