Questions for today:
What is unique about our charitable efforts that go beyond nature? What do we accomplish when we act charitably within our nature?
We mentioned that this verse that we're analyzing speaks about the 'act' of charity, and the 'service' of charity.
'Act' implies something that comes naturally, and 'service', or 'work' refers to something that takes effort.
Even though our 'body' is physical and it's not comfortable with thinking of or sharing with others, our 'Soul' is a part of the Creator.
The Creator uses characteristics of kindness and strictness, but while they are balanced, they tilt towards kindness.
Because of this, our soul which is an expression of the Creator has a natural desire to give - it just has to express it physically.
That's the 'act' of kindness.
The 'service' of kindness is when we break beyond that.
However, even the somewhat natural act of kindness still elicits the generosity from the Creator.
This 'gift' from the Creator is a revelation of the Divine purpose within our opposite characteristics.
This brings peace in the spiritual realms within us, and also within our physical struggles, to help us elevate our negativity.
258 38 Tanya Chitas thought for Elul 10 ~ m279 32 Elul 9
Tanya book 4, Essay 12, pt5
Study today’s Tanya in full:
https://www.chabadmed.com/dailystudy/tanya.asp?tdate=9/5/2022
See today’s video: