I‘ve been thinking recently about the topic of charity. I had an interesting discussion about the necessity of charity, and why we try to do and act in particular ways.

Charity is one of the basic, most fundamental tenants of Christianity. Christ’s charity is the essence of His ministry and ultimate sacrifice. The great Apostle Paul expounded on the necessity for charity, and it’s place in the lives of the early Christians.

I’m always amazed at the large numbers of people who are consumed with themselves so much that they cannot appreciate outside their selfish realm.

I have a friend who wrote a recent piece on the value of spending some time with people. He tells of an interesting act of charity wherein he learned the value of showing respect and dignity to another person.

I like his post because we often forget that some unfortunate individual once had dreams and aspirations, which got removed because of unfortunate circumstances.

How many of us often bypass individuals, especially those begging for handouts, because secretly we know we’re "better" than that person? I can’t count the number of times I’ve thought that my life had more value and meaning than some down-on-their-luck stranger’s. It’s no wonder that too many of us miss opportunities like my friend’s to gain value from someone else.

I love the profound wisdom someone once gave me that "it’s not your job to judge, it’s your job to help." How much more value could we add to our own lives, by selflessly acting for someone else? What’s more, how much more dignity could we add to this decaying world, if we too spent a few moments exercising compassionate service for others.