Giving and forgiving

Sola-Man (gotta remember that hyphen) provides some links to three aid organizations. On his comments page for that post, I expressed my reservations about donating money that could very well go to people who looted New Orleans stores of essentials like TVs and stereos. In reflection, however, I deeply considered the Bible passage Sola-Man cited:

Matthew 25:34-40

Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'

Who is the least of the least if not the people who consider this disaster to be a license for them to sin? And how am I any different from them? I've stolen things in my life. I've committed the same sins many of them have. I'm as deserving of damnation to Hell as much as they are. Jesus saw all this, saw all our sins. But he didn't hesitate to offer himself up as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. The lyrics to one of my favorite Ray Boltz songs came to mind:

Long ago, there was a Father and a Son
Who saw the children lost in sin
Can't you see the tears in the Father's eyes
As Jesus said to Him:
"What if I could give all I have?
What would that gift do?"
"My Son, that gift would change the world.
It would free the multitude."

This song also speaks of giving to those in need. They may not deserve it, but we need to give anyway. It's what Christ taught us not just in word, but in deed as well.