The term "free-hearted" is not explicitly found in the Bible; however, the concept is deeply embedded in the scriptural teachings and narratives. A free-hearted individual is characterized by generosity, openness, and a willingness to give and share without restraint. This quality is highly esteemed in the biblical context, reflecting the nature of God and the ideal behavior of His followers.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. Generosity and Giving: The Bible frequently encourages believers to be generous and open-handed. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 , Paul writes, "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This verse highlights the importance of giving freely and joyfully, a hallmark of a free-hearted spirit.

2. The Widow’s Offering: In Mark 12:41-44 , Jesus observes a poor widow who gives two small coins into the temple treasury. He commends her for giving out of her poverty, saying, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others." Her free-heartedness is demonstrated by her willingness to give all she had, trusting in God's provision.

3. The Early Church: Acts 2:44-45 describes the early Christian community: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This passage illustrates the free-hearted nature of the early Christians, who lived in a spirit of generosity and mutual support.

4. Old Testament Principles: The Old Testament also emphasizes free-heartedness. In Deuteronomy 15:10 , God commands, "Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so, because in so doing the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand." This instruction underscores the blessing associated with a generous and free-hearted disposition.

5. The Nature of God: God's own nature is the ultimate example of free-heartedness. John 3:16 declares, "For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that everyone who believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." God's willingness to give His Son for the salvation of humanity is the supreme act of free-hearted love and generosity.

Practical Application

Believers are called to emulate the free-heartedness of God and the examples set forth in Scripture. This involves a lifestyle of generosity, not only in material possessions but also in time, love, and service to others. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." The free-hearted person finds joy and fulfillment in giving, reflecting the heart of God and advancing His kingdom on earth.(a.) Open; frank; unreserved; liberal; generous; as, free-hearted mirth.

"A Fine, Generous Fellow. "
... It was easy to say, 'how free-hearted he is,' so that I could hear them.
A cheap way of enjoying the good things of life, verily! ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arthur/words for the wise/a fine generous fellow.htm

Another Wonderful Record of 25.
... As he preached that day, God seemed 'a very present help.' At the close of the service,
a young man, noted for his free-hearted, impulsive character, stepped ...
/.../various/the wonders of prayer/another wonderful record of 25 00.htm

Unsound Spiritual Trading
... The man is a spendthrift, "But sir, he was always freehearted, and nobody's enemy
but his own." The man, it is true, would curse God, but then, well, it was a ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/unsound spiritual trading.htm

The Pharisee and Publican
... How would you then, like him, extol a precious, a free-hearted Christ! how would
you magnify him for being such a friend to Publicans and sinners? ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the pharisee and publican.htm

A Few Sighs from Hell;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a few sighs from hell.htm

A Treatise of the Fear of God;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a treatise of the fear.htm

Come and Welcome to Jesus Christ;
The Works of John Bunyan Volumes 1-3. <. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/come and welcome to jesus.htm

Free-hearted (3 Occurrences)
Free-hearted. Freedom, Free-hearted. Freeing . Noah Webster's Dictionary (a.)
Open; frank; unreserved; liberal; generous; as, free-hearted mirth. ...
/f/free-hearted.htm - 7k

Freeing (9 Occurrences)

/f/freeing.htm - 9k

Freedom (45 Occurrences)

/f/freedom.htm - 21k

Glorifying (21 Occurrences)
... God through the proof of this ministration, by reason of your subjection, by profession,
to the glad tidings of the Christ, and your free-hearted liberality in ...
/g/glorifying.htm - 12k

Profession (9 Occurrences)
... God through the proof of this ministration, by reason of your subjection, by profession,
to the glad tidings of the Christ, and your free-hearted liberality in ...
/p/profession.htm - 11k

Communicating (4 Occurrences)
... God through the proof of this ministration, by reason of your subjection, by profession,
to the glad tidings of the Christ, and your free-hearted liberality in ...
/c/communicating.htm - 7k

Towards (416 Occurrences)
... God through the proof of this ministration, by reason of your subjection, by profession,
to the glad tidings of the Christ, and your free-hearted liberality in ...
/t/towards.htm - 35k

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