Ebenezer Scrooge famously says, “If they would rather die, they had better do it, and decrease the surplus population.”
The line gives us another reason to dislike Scrooge. His attitude is heartless and inhuman. Sadly, though, his indifference is still alive in our culture. We can easily ignore those on the peripheries—the poor, the immigrant, the mentally ill, the lonely, or anyone whose needs inconvenience us.
Yet Scrooge’s way of life also leaves him miserable. He lives for himself, works simply to accumulate more, and knows neither joy nor love.
Jesus shows us another way: “Whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.”
Christian charity is more than giving away what we no longer need. Giving alms, sharing our gifts, and making time for another person are acts of love for Christ. Yes, they require sacrifice. We may have to surrender something we want.
But in giving ourselves away in love, we discover the life and joy that Scrooge could never find.
Living in Love with God 
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