THE PIOUS ACT:
A Thesis on the Importance of Charity
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13th of the Sun's Smile, 2010
An Introduction
On the roadside, I observe a beggar - a man without name or fortune, his spirit seemingly broken, and his demeanor unwelcoming. He is, to many, an uncomfortable sight. Unlike most of our community who work diligently in the fields or, like Ser Delbert, tend to the bees, this man appears to offer nothing. Some might argue he is a weight upon us, draining our resources without contributing. Why would we honor such a wretch with charity?
To answer this question, we must look to the Scroll of Virtue, given to Horen by God. I, Brother Renwick, will guide you on the answers I found in this reading.
The Virtue of Charity
To understand the importance of charity, we must look to God, the Almighty Creator, who has graced us with the Earth and its countless gifts. he states: "I am the lord God without peer; my abundance is the holy abundance, My wealth the virtuous wealth, and all the blessings of the Virtue shall fall before the righteous who share it." (Virtue 1:11) This profound declaration reveals that God is the ultimate embodiment of charity, and as His followers, we are called to reflect His goodness in our lives. By extending our hands to those in need, we not only uplift them but also elevate our own spirits, becoming better individuals in the process. Through our acts of charity, we invite blessings upon ourselves and nurture a spirit of generosity that enriches both our lives and those around us. Thus, embracing charity is not just a duty but a divine opportunity for growth and fulfillment.
Our charity should encompass more than just material gifts like alms or money; it should also embody the richness of the spirit. "And so I have placed into your hearts the blessings of abundance: the virtuous wealth of the spirit. And as I have given to you this blessing of My Word, you shall also give unto your fellows." "For I have placed into your heart a wealth of virtue, and I have created for you a garden of abundance. And you shall give your fellows the abundance of spirit, which is my Word. For the abundance of the spirit is never divided, but multiplied." (Virtue 1:7-9) As children of God, we are not meant to hoard the treasures of our spirit or our faith. We must give freely to others without expecting anything in return. In doing so, we only strengthen our own spirit.
The ultimate act of piety is to forfeit one's ego and act in complete accordance with God. By stepping aside from our own desires and ambitions, we open ourselves to serve a greater good, embodying the virtues that God exemplifies, and in this state of selflessness, we can fully embrace our roles as the righteous and the charitable. For it is in this relinquishment of the ego that we find clarity, as our actions become guided by compassion and a genuine desire to uplift others. We discover the profound joy of serving others and being part of a greater tapestry, woven by divine love. This, then, is the ultimate act of piety.
Closing Remarks
As we have learned from the Scroll of Virtue, it is our duty to be charitable because God exemplifies charity, and we are called to act in alignment with His nature. God has endowed us with abundance - both in the gifts of this world and in our spirits. Just as we have received, we are meant to share with others. May this message reach those who need it most. Live in charity, live in virtue. God bless.
Brother Renwick