Cleric urges Christians to imbibe charity, selfless service for humanity
NAN-H-33
Charity
By Ella Anokam
Abuja, July 2, 2017 (NAN) Rev. Fr. Moses Joseph-Soussoukpor, Associate Priest, Christ the King Catholic Church, Kurudu, Abuja, has urged Christians to imbibe charity work and selfless service for humanity in order to make heaven.
Joseph-Soussoukpor made this call on Sunday in his homily at St. Joseph Mukassa Catholic Church, Gidan Mangoro, Abuja.
In Christianity Heaven is the location of the throne of God and the Holy angels but in traditional Christianity, heaven is regarded as a state or condition of existence.
Speaking on ‘Charity work and its reward’, Joseph-Soussoukpor noted that any form of charity given to people always attracted reward from God and innermost satisfaction on the giver.
He warned that charity work, whether act of kindness, provision of needs or money, should not be done based on familiarity but, rather, according to who deserved it.
The Priest also firmly warned Christians against tasking people to bring money in order to offer prayers needed for resolving their problems.
He said: “Do not condition the blessings of God by asking someone to bring certain things and money before praying to solve his/her problems.
“Whatever you sacrifice in the act of charity always attract reward from God. Charity work should not be based on whom you know but who deserves it.
“Let us not because of bad people neglect to assist good ones. For you to be charitable, you must sacrifice something or deprive yourself of something for one to gain,” the priest said.
Reading from the Book of Matthew 10 verse 40, Joseph-Soussoukpor said: “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent Me.
“And whoever gives to one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
Joseph-Soussoukpor, who appealed to Christians to see God in their neighbours, also advised parents to be charitable to family members and selflessly solve problems concerning family.
He urged Christians to endeavour to live what he called Christian lifestyle and practice virtues in order to make positive impact on the society. (NAN)
ELLA/DOE/AFA
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Edited by Dianabasi Effiong/Felix Ajide