An Interfaith Gathering and a Talk on Generosity – Sporting Club, Alexandria
Pope Shenouda III speaks about giving as a measure of a person’s value and as evidence of moving beyond the self and turning toward others. He explains that giving is not limited to money, but includes knowledge, art, administration, work, service, and every ability through which a person can benefit others. He emphasizes that God is the first, greatest Giver, for He has given human beings existence, life, reason, conscience, and everything they possess. He also draws attention to the fact that nature itself provides continuous examples of giving, as the sun, clouds, trees, springs, birds, and flowers give without discrimination.
Spiritual Message
Giving is a commandment from God and an expression of love, cooperation, compassion, and sharing in the needs of others. When a person gives, he offers from what he has received from God’s hand; therefore, his giving should not be limited by calculations or restricted to what he no longer needs. Pope Shenouda calls people to give from the best of what they have, to give without waiting to be asked, and to give more than what is requested whenever they are able. He also emphasizes that giving should be done joyfully and from the heart, because a person’s joy when someone benefits from his giving is part of the blessing of giving.
Educational Lesson
Pope Shenouda teaches that giving can take place within one’s profession and responsibilities. A doctor can provide a free service to someone in need, a lawyer can help someone who cannot afford legal fees, and a teacher can give a lesson to someone who needs it but cannot afford the teaching fee. Giving can also take the form of reducing a fee or price and quietly helping families who are unable to openly ask for assistance, as well as those who need service. He also emphasizes the importance of respecting the person receiving the gift and not humiliating him through questions, suspicion, or investigations, because the person in need is a fellow human being and should be treated with respect.
Practical Application
Pope Shenouda calls every person to practice not allowing a day to pass without giving something to someone. He encourages giving through one’s work by being sincere and trustworthy and by providing solutions and facilities for people, viewing one’s job as a service to people rather than merely as authority. Giving also includes time, attention, kind words, a gentle smile, encouragement, prayer, and sharing in the joys and sorrows of others. Finally, he explains that one of the greatest forms of giving is for a person to give himself and sacrifice himself for the sake of another, making his life a good example for others, doing good, and giving to everyone.
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