The importance of Christian charity was first impressed upon me in university by a friend named James. He was the older brother of a close friend, doing graduate studies in history. We were involved together in an evangelism project on our university campus. I don’t remember the context anymore, but he once gently chided me for thinking the worst of someone. James told me that, as Christians, we should strive to be charitable. Little things said a long time ago sometimes stick with you.
When I was in seminary, one of my professors told a story from a congregation he’d once served in the Netherlands. It was in a small town where everyone watched everyone else. There was a poor widow everyone knew was receiving help from the deacons. One day she was seen around town wearing a brand new coat, one which was obviously far beyond her means. The tongues began wagging about how she was abusing the help she was getting from the church. She was judged harshly in the court of public opinion. As it turned out, the coat had been a generous gift, but of course, a falsehood travels round the world while the truth is still pulling up its pants.
Wes Bredenhof | “Why Do I Find It So Easy to Think the Worst?” | May 20, 2025
RESOURCES
- Subscribe To The Heidelblog!
- Download the HeidelApp on Apple App Store or Google Play
- Browse the Heidelshop!
- The Heidelblog Resource Page
- Heidelmedia Resources
- The Ecumenical Creeds
- The Reformed Confessions
- The Heidelberg Catechism
- The Heidelberg Catechism: A Historical, Theological, & Pastoral Commentary (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2025)
- Recovering the Reformed Confession (Phillipsburg: P&R Publishing, 2008)
- Why I Am A Christian
- What Must A Christian Believe?
- Heidelblog Contributors
- Support Heidelmedia: use the donate button or send a check to
Heidelberg Reformation Association
1637 E. Valley Parkway #391
Escondido CA 92027
USA
The HRA is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization
Heidelblog
The Heidelblog has been in publication since 2007. It is devoted to recovering the Reformed confession and to helping others discover Reformed theology, piety, and practice.
More by Heidelblog ›