Is it not to deal thy bread to the hungry, and that thou bring the poor that are cast out to thy house? when thou seest the naked, that thou cover him; and that thou hide not thyself from thine own flesh? (Isaiah 58:7)
16 If I have withheld the poor from their desire, or have caused the eyes of the widow to fail; 17 Or have eaten my morsel myself alone, and the fatherless hath not eaten thereof; 18 (For from my youth he was brought up with me, as with a father, and I have guided her from my mother's womb;) 19 If I have seen any perish for want of clothing, or any poor without covering; 20 If his loins have not blessed me, and if he were not warmed with the fleece of my sheep; 21 If I have lifted up my hand against the fatherless, when I saw my help in the gate: 22 Then let mine arm fall from my shoulder blade, and mine arm be broken from the bone. (Job 31:16-22) (Words of Job)
He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour. (Psalm 112:9)
Job clearly understood that acts of selfless service were obligatory for the righteous. It seems a bit of a pity in a way to conclude that charity is compulsory for the Christian because it means we don't get any credit for doing it. There is love in charity but you cannot wait to love people before you help them. You must help them first and then you may start to love them. You shouldn't expect credit for charity. Jesus is helping you out but he requires you to help others out. Jesus will give you infinite riches, there is no greater reward. Do the right thing or you would be better to have your arm pulled off. Doing good for others helps you to be sanctified and ready for heaven.
Jesus is the ultimate selfless servant, you can never be really selfless like him, but he calls you to imitate him as much as you can and he will take care of you (Luke 12).
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