It would seem that never before in the history of the world has there been a more widespread need for charity. The world-weary may think of charity in terms of food, clothing, necessary comforts of life; the worldly-wise may believe the giving of these things constitutes charity. The misuse of the word "charity" narrows it to apply only to the relief of want and woe. But Christian Science shows the vastly wider meaning of true charity. It is charity toward all men, whatever their rank or creed.
The word "charity" comes from the Latin caritas, meaning dearness, love. One of the definitions given is "Christian love, . . . benevolence;" another is "liberality or lenience in judging men and their actions." Our revered Leader understood the real meaning of charity, and constantly manifested its beautiful nature in her relations with others. What a vital part of Christianity she proved charity to be! Consequently, who should know better than students of Christian Science how to give charity to all?
Throughout her writings Mrs. Eddy has stressed the meaning of charity, the letter and the spirit of charity to all. Her charitable manner each Christian Scientist should strive to emulate. It would be extremely difficult at times to be liberal in judging men and their actions without the understanding of man's true spiritual nature and status as a child of God, as taught by Christian Science. Unhappy, unlovely, discordant circumstances and situations are not to be understood or analyzed for what they appear to be. Is there any way to reconcile these injustices to man or to God, or to accept any of them as being in accordance with God's will? Christian love and benevolence cannot be rooted in the mental soil of false belief. Without having a right concept of God and man established in consciousness, can the right sense of charity be reached?
