“Grace is the presence of God in the life of the world — freely extended through the ministry of Christ to every living soul. So Christian charity becomes a ministry of sharing God’s gifts of grace. It is not a paternalistic act of giving from the abundance of those who have to those who don’t; it is valuing all the gifts that God has so generously distributed among every community. Unity within a global church will overcome a stewardship that is donor-driven and controlled. All are the recipients and agents of God’s grace that is sufficient for every need.”
Robert J. Harman, author and United Methodist churchman, from “A global identity” in The Christian Century, April 4, 2012