Charity. in German: Neighbour-love
or:
Love your neighbour and yourself
Charity: active and compassionate action
As the foundation of the Christian life, Jesus did not name the study of the Bible, nor wise words, nor the “right” faith, but the so-called works of mercy (Matthew 25):
Feeding the hungry
Hosting strangers
Healing the sick
Visiting prisoners
Clothing the naked
These acts remain a cornerstone of societies rooted in Christian tradition even today.
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Charity – a special feature of Christianity
Jesus not only preached charity, he lived it. read more
Charity – in German, ‘love of one’s neighbour’. But who is that neighbour?
o answer this very question, Jesus told the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) A priest and a Levite, members of the tribe whose duty it was to perform temple services and impart faith, passed by the humiliated, beaten, robbed, and needy man. But a man from a despised ethnic group, who, in the eyes of those listening, "did not believe rightly," stopped and helped.
He likely helped not out of superiority, but because he knew what it was like to be a victim, to be excluded.
Jesus presented him as a role model and called on others to act likewise: not just to offer wise words, but to help where needed. Perhaps because they know how terrible it is. Perhaps because they are not above the situation, but have been victims themselves, bullied or excluded at some point.
A neighbour, then, is first and foremost the one who falls at my feet.
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Charity applies to everyone – including myself.
The real challenge is to live it consistently, even when others don't. It must not depend on the attitude or actions of others. read more
Is charity self-sacrifice?
The story of the Good Samaritan continues: read more
So charity is not the opposite of self-love! Nor is it self-abandonment!
Charity is more than a moral appeal – it is the breeding ground on which we can grow as individuals and as a community.
Charity, Neighbourly love is an attitude
I'm not perfect. I make mistakes—that's human and even important.
I can't help everyone all the time, but I can respect, accept, and trust. I can take someone's "no" seriously—even if I think I know what they actually need.
Charity also means treating oneself with care and respect. The Bible repeatedly states: "Love your neighbor as yourself!"
Another translation by Franz-Xaver Jans-Scheidegger says: "Love your neighbor, for he is like you." This interpretation removes the separation between me and the other person and invites us to feel the deep connection. And we know: We are both human beings. We are children of God.
Charity does not mean defenselessness
read moreIs Christian charity different from humanistic ethics?
We would say no - at heart, they are deeply connected. For God has placed his love in every person.
The Christian perspective simply reminds us to actively live it.
Where do we get the strength to love our neighbours?
read moreThe power of experienced love provides a way to break out of these patterns and suffering.
Those who experience genuine appreciation – from parents, from those around them, or through spiritual experiences – can experience healing.
Those who feel the certainty of being carried and held by universal love or by God find a deep inner strength that enables them to pass on love and to help others appropriately.
Love is more than an emotion – it is a source of strength that transforms us and helps us live it in the world.
A daily exercise
A Buddhist monk once said: “If you think you are enlightened, visit your family – you'll soon know whether it's true.” Because charity begins in everyday life – with the people around us. And we are always learning. This includes charity.
The Time is Now
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