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Voluntary

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Charity, by its very definition means to give voluntarily. Charity is sharing of time, space, material goods, with those who could use a lending hand. Charity is an individual heart choice. If some government body orders or compels, it is no longer charity. If you are compelled to do something that it is no longer freedom of choice or voluntary.

The Bible is quite clear about that, and the Father's heart's cry that we share or voluntarily give to those less fortunate, to those in need:

* Romans 12:6-8 We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.
* Isaiah 58:10-11 Feed the hungry! Help those in trouble! Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you shall be as bright as day. And the Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy you with all good things, and keep you healthy too; and you will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring.
* Prov 28:27 He who gives to the poor will never want, but he who shuts his eyes will have many curses.
* 1 John 3:17 But whoever has the world's goods, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?
* Luke 6:38 For if you give, you will get! Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure, pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, and running over. Whatever measure you use to give - large or small - will be used to measure what is given back to you.

Somewhere a very long time ago, someone penned the words, "It is better to give then to receive." I have done voluntary work much of my life, and I am certain so have all of you. Luke 6:38 comes alive for me over and over again through my voluntary work, because I always, always come away feeling that I've received a heck of a lot more than I've given; the words, "Your gift will return to you in full and overflowing measure... ." The gift of kindness and time shared has always left me feeling a far, far better person for having done that bit of "charity" work. No one compelled me to do it. If they had, likely I would have fought and done it screaming and kicking, and my attitude would have infected and

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