Love in Action: 4 reasons why Christian Charity is an adequate response of faith

Charitable actions like Operation Christmas Child (OCC) have faced criticism over its mission to share the gospel as they give physical gifts. For example, here and here. While opinion texts like these could have some merit at face value, their premises are flawed. Not to mention that some of them come from a place of lack of faith and atheism. Addressing such criticism demonstrates that Christian Charity is an adequate response of faith.

Actions such as OCC’s work can be connected to the mission of Christ Himself, who came to meet both physical and spiritual needs. Christian theology, rooted in both Scripture and the Confessions, reveals why evangelistic and charitable efforts are biblically sound and faithfully Lutheran.

1. Christ’s Command to Evangelize and Serve

The criticisms against Christian Charity for combining physical charity with gospel teaching often misunderstand the purpose of Christian mission. For Lutherans, mission work is not a colonial imposition but rather a fulfillment of Jesus’ commission to “go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation” (Mark 16:15). Sharing the gospel is a natural expression of love for our neighbour, particularly when it accompanies acts of compassion.

Martin Luther’s Large Catechism reinforces this understanding. The First Commandment calls Christians to honour God above all else, including sharing His Word without fear of human criticism. “We are neither to fear nor love any man…in such a way as to restrain us from confessing and honouring the Word of God,” he writes, emphasizing the imperative to share the gospel, irrespective of worldly disapproval. Christian Charity aligns with this command by sharing the gospel even as it shares gifts that illustrate Christ’s love.

2. Respect for Cultural Sensitivity and Authentic Witness

Critics argue that Christian Charity's inclusion of the gospel in its charity program reflects a cultural imposition, pushing Western values onto non-Western communities. Yet, the gospel is not bound by culture or nationality. As Paul says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek…for you are all one in Christ Jesus” (Galatians 3:28). The message of Christ addresses universal human needs—love, redemption, and eternal hope—across all cultural boundaries. True Christian charity does not impose but rather invites individuals to hear the gospel, empowering them to decide how to respond.

To this end, Christian Charity initiatives frequently partners with local churches and community leaders who understand cultural contexts firsthand. Such partnerships allow the gospel to be shared in a way that resonates with local communities. A faithful Christian-Lutheran approach to charity emphasizes that Christian witness takes into account and honours cultural differences, engaging in ways that are sensitive and respectful while remaining rooted in God’s truth.

3. The Biblical Value of Charity as Act and Witness

Critics suggest that Christian Charity's “one-time” gifts lack long-term value. They argue that resources might be better directed toward sustainable development rather than “temporary” relief. As if one-time, temporary relief wasn't something that is also needed and welcomed. Christian charity does not rely solely on outcomes measured by worldly efficiency; rather, it follows the example of Christ, who fed, healed, and provided even as He preached the gospel.  Physical acts of mercy reflect God’s love, as James writes, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2:17).

Isaiah echoes this when he says, “So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty” (Isaiah 55:11). Christian Charity carries both immediate joy and an invitation to eternal life. Luther’s Small Catechism reminds us that “God has commanded us to love and serve our neighbour,” with the understanding that even small acts of kindness are significant when done in Christ’s name.

Moreover, Luther described faith as an active force: “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace… It does not ask whether good works are to be done, but before the question is asked, it has already done them.” The gifts from Christian Charities represent acts of love rooted in the living faith that Luther describes. They are more than material items; they are visible demonstrations of the gospel freely offered.

4. Freedom in Faith: The Invitation Without Coercion

A final critique suggests that the inclusion of a gospel message with each Christian Charity act is coercive. Yet this assumption misrepresents the nature of Christian witness, which is always a free invitation, not a demand. Faith cannot be forced; it is a gift that embraces God’s Word and Work. As Jesus declared, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed” (John 8:36).

This approach reflects a Lutheran understanding that God works through His Word, and the Holy Spirit calls people to faith through the gospel. According to the Augsburg Confession, “the Holy Spirit…works faith, when and where it pleases God” (AC V). Each initiative accompanied by the Word, serves as a means through which the Gospel is shared with many.

We are called to love our neighbours in both body and soul, standing as a testament to the mercy and grace found in Christ. Each gift embodies a small act of love, paired with the life-changing Gospel of Hope. Critics may not understand the spiritual and eternal value behind this mission, yet Scripture promises that “the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword” (Hebrews 4:12).

We reject, therefore, the notion that gospel-centred charity is coercive, ineffective or harmful. Instead, we see it as proper response of faith, loving our neighbour not only providing them with gifts for this life, but also sharing the Gift of forgiveness in Christ, which brings to our temporary struggles and challenges the Hope of the life that never ends.

 

Photo by Jess Bailey on Unsplash