Question:
Is it true that “charity begins at home?
Answer: This saying, which is
biblical in inspiration, was first formulated as such by the learned
Christian author Sir Thomas Browne in 1642, best known for his Religio
Medici. The saying indicates that the charitable spirit, which includes
love and generosity, should be practised first at home, before they are
extended to or solicited from the community. Families cannot be exempt
from practising the spiritual virtues that they recommend to others. In
a sense, the family is the primary religious community. It is here that
spiritual values are first taught. But family members are often taken
for granted. In families we see the best and worst of behaviour.
Consequently, we can be sure that if spiritual virtues are practised at
home, then the faith practice in question will be genuine and a shining
example to others. True believers are made at
home.
Although charity is certainly important, family unity and solidarity
are perhaps the most important foundational spiritual virtues to be
cultivated in the family. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (1844-1921), the son of the
Prophet-Founder, Bahá’u’lláh (1817-1892), and the appointed interpreter
of his teachings, remarked: “ Note ye how easily, where unity existeth
in a given family, the affairs of that family are conducted; what
progress the members of that family make, how they prosper in the
world. Their concerns are in order, they enjoy comfort and
tranquillity, they are secure, their position is assured, they come to
be envied by all. Such a family but addeth to its stature and its
lasting honour, as day succeedeth day.”
In light of its cornerstone teaching of the organic oneness of
humanity, as children of one God, Bahá’ís consider the entire human
race to be their family, and our earth one home. In that sense, Bahá’ís
extend their generosity to all members of humanity, regardless of their
race, religion or ethnicity. This was the example set by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá,
our perfect exemplar, an example we strive to follow. He said: “Look
upon the whole human race as members of one family, all children of
God; and, in so doing, you will see no difference between
them.” -
Jack
McLean