In Theory

With the winter holiday season around the corner, people often are asked then to donate their time and money for charitable causes. As a religious leader in your community how would you convince folks that it’s still important for them to give when they themselves might be experiencing material hardship?

Jesus said, ‘Inasmuch as you do good with one of God’s beloved most in need, you do good to me!’ (Matthew 25:40) Our own needs and those of others consistently remind us of our inter-dependency and our challenge to be the very best of what we are — the need that binds us both to one another and to the One Who makes us who we are. Serving others helps us feel better about our own lives.

Those of us who are so blessed to live in this land where freedoms equal responsibilities, and in this place in which superb care for body and mind and soul is readily available, should be on a journey of returning more and more to our gracious and loving God of abundance by serving God’s children ... of all ages and conditions.

(The Very Rev. Canon) Peter D. Haynes

Saint Michael & All Angels Episcopal Church

Corona del Mar

“Service to others” is a Biblical principle of enormous importance. The greatest example is the Savior’s sacrifice for us. Service not only provides blessings for those served, but also enriches those who provide the service. Someone who becomes involved in service to others will find that their needs become secondary. True service is not given in expectation of reciprocation, but, once entered into with dedication, brings a joy that ‘passeth all understanding.’ When we ‘lose ourselves’ in the service of others, we will begin experiencing true joy. (Mark 8:35). People who take their religion seriously will not need to be ‘convinced’ — at any time of year.

Tom Thorkelson

Director of Interfaith Relations for Orange County

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Bringing ease to a distressed heart or placing a smile on their face is priceless.

Whether in troubled times or not, we are all in need of human kindness and support. If we are experiencing great challenges in our personal lives, perhaps it could be eased through seeing the hardships of others. Witnessing and listening to the “real” difficulties of others, like being homeless or hungry, may put one’s own troubles into perspective. Assisting others is spiritually and psychologically therapeutic. It brings a sense of relief and self-worth when you have the ability to help others — you feel good about yourself and optimistic about your future.

As a religious leader, I inform my congregation about what Prophet Muhammad directed us about charity. The Prophet said that there are two main forms of charity: the first is monetary, and the other is handmade (volunteering one’s time or service). I try to remind those who are experiencing financial difficulties to still consider giving to those who are less fortunate than them because in Islam, God promises us that, when we give money to charity, our own sustenance does not diminish 1 cent; in fact, God blesses it.

Imam Sayed Moustafa Al-Qazwini

Islamic Educational Center of Orange County

One way I encourage others to give of themselves is to remind them how fitting it is for entire families to help out the less fortunate together as a family. We will be providing Thanksgiving dinners for the homeless, and when Mom, Dad and the children participate in this together, not only do they have fun, they also grow in appreciation for what they have, even if they happen to be struggling. So if parents consider that not only are they doing good for others, but that the entire family is learning valuable life lessons, it is not a hard sell to “convince” people to be generous, especially during the holiday season.

Father Stephen Doktorczyk

St. Joachim Church

Costa Mesa

Learning to address your problems and balance your resources is important to your peace of mind. If you don’t have an approach that calms your fears, it’s easy to become a victim of your own circumstances. This is why it is important to attend church, ask for prayers, and know how to use spiritual principles. Cause is God’s business. Faith is your business. Faith is a faculty of your mind that can be applied in a negative or positive way. Doubt and fear are forms of negative faith. Love and peace are forms of positive faith. Failure to choose is a choice. This is why tithing 10% of your time, talent and treasure is essential to your growth. Giving a measured amount means you can’t give too little or too much.

Pastor Jim Turrell

Center for Spiritual Living, Costa Mesa

The highest commandment in Judaism is giving, and some say that giving is equal to all the other commandments combined. Tzedakah Tzedakah is the Hebrew word for the acts that we call “charity” in English: giving aid, assistance and money to the poor and needy or to other worthy causes. But the nature of tzedakah is different from the idea of charity. “Charity” suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy. “Tzedakah” means righteousness, justice or fairness. In Judaism, giving to the poor is not viewed as a generous, magnanimous act; it is simply an act of justice and righteousness, the performance of a duty, giving the poor their due.

The Jewish tradition teaches that giving is an essential component of man’s dignity. As God gives, and as we are created in God’s image, everyone must give. Even a poor person who receives charity is obligated to give charity, even if it is but the smallest coin. And for how long must we give? As long as God continues to give to us.

Rabbi Mark S. Miller

Temple Bat Yahm, Newport Beach