Unselfish caring for people in need by individuals and organizations expresses a mothering, protecting love and does much to alleviate suffering and privation. Desirable as such physical care may be, it usually does not solve the problems that cause lack. Mrs. Eddy, although noted for her generous giving, quotes these words of a Talmudical philosopher: "The noblest charity is to prevent a man from accepting charity; and the best alms are to show and to enable a man to dispense with alms."See Mary Baker Eddy, Miscellaneous Writings, p. ix;
Much can be achieved in this direction through education including the teaching of skills that make for self-reliance and self-sufficiency. However, by far the most effective and lasting aid for those in need is the gaining of an understanding of divine Love's infinite goodness and of man's eternal unity with God. Such vision lifts people out of the depressing belief in deprivation into the realization that God, the Mind which is Spirit, is ever loving and caring for all His children, who are spiritual. And this realization opens the way for the truth to be evidenced in human lives.
Although the Bible teaches that we should readily give tangible help to others when circumstances require it, Jesus made clear where the priorities lie. To all mankind he said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."Matt. 6:33; Most people seem inclined to seek the "things" first, not recognizing that these come to us naturally when we first seek an understanding of God, the source of all good, and strive to obey Him. Because there is no element of lack in the realm of infinite, divine Love, people can demonstrate this fact in present living.
