Blind Charity

A friend of mine passed this quote on from George Herbert.  Herbert was an early seventeenth century priest in the Church of England.  In his famous book; The Country Parson, His Character, and Rule of Holy Life; he says that the pastor “allows his charity some blindness… especially since…we are more enjoined to be charitable than wise.”

While Herbert was writing for pastors, I think that this is probably appropriate for all Christians.  We tend to want control over the “charity” or money we give to others.  Certainly some sight is appropriate, but some blindness is appropriate too.  Herbert really hits the point home when he reminds us that of all the commands, the command to charity (or love) is more pressing and frequent than the encouragement to seek wisdom.