CHARITY DOES BEGIN AT HOME
When someone says, “Charity begins at home,” it is usually for pocket book protection, and means that I must take care of my own before even thinking about others. I believe there is a deeper meaning in this hackneyed expression. Home is where we are supposed to treat each other with honesty, honor and love. Home is where our character is formed for what we will ultimately become. At home we teach our children to share, to be loving and kind. True charity that begins at home issues in a life of charitable behavior. If charity is part of our upbringing ad a natural aspect of our daily lives, we will be charitable people because that is a significant part of who we are. If that is the kind of person we want our children to be, then charity should begin at home.
The Rt. Rev. Bertram N. Herlong, the Bishop of Tennessee, retired.
