Every day, people are faced with a choice between good and evil, and they constantly choose to be friendly or indifferent, to do charity or to turn away from people in need.
This is stated in the post on social media by Metropolitan Epifaniy of Kyiv and All Ukraine.
“Not everything that is called charity is in fact pleasing to God. Sometimes it is used for reasons of trends, prestige, as people consider it an attribute of a certain status or well-being. Sometimes they talk more than they do, or show off in anticipation of praise. And sometimes it is offered as indulgence or something is demanded in return… This is not true charity, but disguised selfishness,” explained the head of the OCU.
He quoted a Sermon on the Mount by Jesus Christ: “Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.Therefore when thou doest thine alms, do not sound a trumpet before thee, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory of men…”
“Our daily life is a constant struggle between good and evil, it is necessary to always choose love, not indifference, not selfish accumulation, but generosity, not selfishness, but service to others,” said Metropolitan Epifaniy. “We live in a ‘choice mode’ without even noticing it. But every day, when leaving home, we choose: to greet the neighbors first or to turn away, to thank the cashier in the supermarket or not, to help someone on the road or pass by, to offer tea to colleagues or make it just for yourself… There are just as many opportunities to make a good choice as others, even more.”
He urged people to be compassionate, to open their hearts, and to “feed” them with the good because it is vital to them. “And do not forget to thank the Lord, who gives us so many opportunities to help others and tackle evil. Do not expect gratitude for your good deeds from those for whom you do them, and you will receive it from the One who will truly reward you.
Also, Metropolitan Epifaniy noted that the Christmas eve period is another reason to think and do good, each to the best of their ability. “Charity is not always about physical or material help. This is both good advice and a sincere smile, attention, kind words, compassion, gratitude, quiet presence, and especially prayer. After all, praying for others shifts our attention away from ourselves to the needs existing around us, and there are so many of them!”
It should be recalled that Metropolitan Epifaniy earlier urged believers not to believe any myths circulated about the COVID-19 vaccination.
