To me, there are three ways people engage in religious merit-making and charitable giving. Some do good while continuing to commit wrongdoing, as though merit could protect them from the consequences of their actions. Some turn to merit-making and charity after doing wrong, as though good deeds could wash away the wrong. And some give and do good out of genuine compassion and a pure heart, expecting nothing in return, whether the act is great or small. That, to me, is the true spirit of doing good.
