Pure Love Is Outpoured

"Beware of practicing your piety before men in order to be seen by them; for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give alms, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by men. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give alms, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your alms may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (1)

"The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do as he has made up his mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that you may always have enough of everything and may provide in abundance for every good work… He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your resources and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God; for the rendering of this service not only supplies the wants of the saints but also overflows in many thanksgivings to God." (2)

The Color Of Pure Charity

The motives of my heart color
Ev'ry action of charity:
Whether cheerful or with dolor;
And generous or miserly.

Pure love flows freely from the Source
Of love and life: the Trinity.
In prayer, this love will run its course,
And animate one's charity.

When I am centered on my Lord,
My heart draws deeply from His well,
And joyfully, love is outpoured --
The one who gives receives as well.

For all we give we have received,
From the bounty of our Lord's love;
And if I clutch, I am deceived --
All that I have came from above!

Pure Charity will run its course,
When we give freely from the Source.

(c) Paul Buis, 2000

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(1) Matthew 6: 1-4
(2) 2 Corinthians 9:6-8,10-12