“Bringing people together is what I call ‘ubuntu’ which means ‘I am because we are’. Far too often people think of themselves as just individuals, separated from one another, whereas you are connected and what you do affects the whole world. When you do well, it spreads out; it is for the whole of humanity.” – Desmond Tutu
Millions of people all over the world donate to causes they believe in. They extend a helping hand to the needy. They give without expecting something in return (altruism). They volunteer by working in food shelters, they create awareness about a specific need, they build roads in communities, etc. This is called charity, and it is one of the most critical lessons for life.
News around the world is far too depressing these days. There are so many people suffering in war-torn countries. People are dying because of hunger. Some people don’t even have access to drinking water. When some people hear about these events, they often think that they don’t have to be charitable because charity is for the rich and famous. The truth is, when it comes to being altruistic, nothing is too small and charity is not just about giving money.
Below are two of the faces of charity:
1. Money
This is probably the most common form of charity. Giving money can go a long way to help the needy and put a smile on someone’s face. Money can help provide shelter, food, water, and education to the multitude of people who can’t afford these basic human needs. Additionally, it is important to note that the amount of money you give is not as important as the fact that you are willing to give without expecting something in return. Nothing is too small!
2. Time
Essentially, giving your time is giving yourself, and therefore can be a very gratifying form of charity. Just like money, giving time is not really about quantity, it is more about the quality of time you are giving. How can you give quality time? By volunteering – for example, helping to build a shelter, visiting the elderly in a nursing home, cooking for your sick neighbour, and advising someone in a troubled situation. Don’t underestimate the significance of spending quality time with someone, especially when that person really needs you to be there. This is a great lesson for life.
Benefits of Charity:
1. A great source of happiness to the giver and the receiver
By giving your money, your time or energy, you will certainly be putting a smile on the receiver’s face by responding to the person’s needs. Although you will be giving without expecting anything from the receiver, you will still be receiving something more valuable – happiness. Investing in other people’s lives will undoubtedly promote happiness in your own life.
2. Seeing life differently and bringing more meaning to your life
Giving shows empathy, love and compassion. Giving means you consciously choose to see life through the eyes of the receiver. You leave the comfort zone of your own reality and step into a whole new world, so that you can understand the person better and know how you can help. This helps you see life from a new perspective and brings more meaning to your own life, partly because you learn to be grateful for what you have. Moreover, it makes you feel more collective when you meet other people who also share the value of humanitarianism.
Charity is a powerful lesson for life we should incorporate and teach others. Don’t just think about charity as “something nice you do for someone”. Think about it as a necessity for the survival and the well-being of humanity. Tap into the spirit of ubuntu, “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.”
20 Comments
D,Gauntlett · September 20, 2019 at 2:25 am
Thanks duppydom for highlighting the importance of “Charity”. There is an urgent need for all of us to pause for a few moments and take a glimpse of the need around us. I can assure you right next door there is a child going to bed hungry. An old person who haven’t seen or heard a human voice for days, maybe weeks. I know this because, since 1969 I’ve made volunteering my time and resources apart of my life. Feeding and clothing the needy, creating book clubs and reading programs and raising funds for higher education, just to name a few. Even crying with those who cannot contain their appreciation and breaks down on the stop. The most fulfilling and joyous feeling is to know someone smiled because I took the time to care. Someone ate or a child went to school because I gave. Giving can be small or large, it matters not, what matter is that we make the effort to give.
For me the Bible is my guide and it reminds me in Deuteronomy 15:11 KJV – For the poor will never cease from the land. Therefore, you shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land. God loves a cheerful giver. Be a giver today and make somebody’s life better, you’ll be glad you did.
duppydomTEAM · September 21, 2019 at 5:42 am
D’Gauntlett, we thank you for highlighting the many ways we can help the needy.
Most of us get so caught up with our own problems, we forgot how fortunate we are. We often overlook the fact that the majority of the world lives in shanty conditions. We frequently complain about “being broke” and forget that there is a major difference between “being broke” and “being poor”. Being broke typically means that you have a job, have a place to live, have clean running water, have a credit card, have friends you can visit for a meal, etc. Being broke also means that you probably have some spare change in your house or car that you can donate to the poor – “Giving can be small or large, it matters not, what matter is that we make the effort to give.”
I hope (I know) there is a special place in heaven for those whose life work is to help the needy. I cannot think of a more selfless act.
Funny enough, there are a few bible verses that I still remember from Sabbath school: “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously”. Thank you D’Gauntlett, we definitely appreciate your words and your humanitarianism – I thought you might find this of interest: #Bible ⛪
S. Jakes · September 21, 2019 at 5:44 pm
Well said Gauntlett. I wish I was as charitable as you. 🤗
D’Gauntlett · September 27, 2019 at 4:56 am
S Jakes – Thank you for your kind words. Someday I believe you will find that calling and decide to participate. Bless you.
Adaego M. Azi · September 21, 2019 at 11:04 pm
God bless you DGauntlett 👍
D’Gauntlett · September 27, 2019 at 4:58 am
Adaego – thanks much, blessings.
Lisa Steffler · September 22, 2019 at 2:30 am
Dgauntlett, I also live by the scripture. May God be with you as you continue to help the less fortunate.
[Jude 1:21 NIV – Keep yourselves in God’s love as you wait for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to bring you to eternal life].
D’Gauntlett · September 27, 2019 at 5:10 am
Lisa – It’s a pleasure to meet another believer. Thank you for your encouragement. Faith in God’s word and His love for mankind is what carries me through the rough harsh world we live in today. Keep your eyes on Him and keep praying for internal strength. Bless you.
Adaego M. Azi · September 20, 2019 at 3:22 pm
My parents have sponsored a child in Africa for as long as I can remember, so I grew up knowing about charity. I always found it comforting to know that we helped a child with his education. I agree, I wish people knew how much a little can go a long way, even pennies can help, you don’t need to be rich to help. I really love this article. This topic is very close to my heart. Thank you. 💜💖🧡💛❤❤💖
duppydomTEAM · September 21, 2019 at 4:23 am
Thank you Adaego. I like the idea that you grew up knowing about charity. “Being charitable” is a good lesson parents should start teaching their children at a very young age. Adaego, here is a video worth watching. It truly demonstrates how one act of kindness can snowball into an amazing thing. And to think, it all started with a 9-year-old girl: “Be Nice and Kind” 📣📣
Adaego M. Azi · September 21, 2019 at 11:05 pm
👍
Lisa Steffler · September 20, 2019 at 6:39 pm
[Tap into the spirit of ubuntu, “the belief in a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity.”] – I can’t say I have ever heard of ubuntu before, but I like what it stands for. When people think of charity (myself included) I don’t think they think about how charity helps humanity as a whole. Lately, I have been concerned about the devastation Hurricane Dorian left in the Bahamas – when you think about it, helping other people is what life is all about.
duppydomTEAM · September 21, 2019 at 4:27 am
Desmond Tutu is absolutely right – “there is a universal bond of sharing that connects us all”. You need to go no further than to observe all the help that is pouring into the Bahamas. It is heartwarming to see how interconnected humanity can be, especially in times of need. Lisa, we appreciate your sentiment: #Bahamas 🙏🙏
Adaego M. Azi · September 21, 2019 at 11:07 pm
👍
S. Jakes · September 21, 2019 at 5:41 pm
Agreed. 🤗
Adaego M. Azi · September 21, 2019 at 11:06 pm
👍
S. Jakes · September 21, 2019 at 5:38 pm
Excellent article 👍. I really like the humanity spin on charity. A lot more people would probably give or donate their time if they thought they were bringing human kind together. 😍😘
duppydomTEAM · September 22, 2019 at 3:41 am
S. Jakes, absolutely!! I think the following excerpt is the essence of the article: Don’t just think about charity as “something nice you do for someone”. Think about it as a necessity for the survival and the well-being of humanity. 🔊
Bruce Peters · September 28, 2019 at 3:10 am
I have all the respect in the world for people who give to charity. My belief – charity should start in our own back yard – our own neighborhood, our own city. Christmas is just around the corner and during this time of year, local food pantries are in desperate need of donations. So, starting now, every time you go grocery shopping, buy a few extra cans of food and drop it off at your local pantry. During the Christmas holidays, the folks/families in need will thank you for it.
duppydomTEAM · September 28, 2019 at 10:18 pm
Thank you, Bruce. You are definitely on point. Every time I go to my local supermarket, I see signs about donating cans of food to local food pantries. This is certainly a good way to get involved with community charity. 🥫🥫