Gratuitously
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The term "gratuitously" refers to actions or behaviors that are done without good reason, cause, or justification. In a biblical context, it often pertains to actions that are unwarranted or unnecessary, particularly those that are harmful or unjust. The concept of gratuitous actions can be explored through various scriptural passages that highlight the nature of sin, grace, and human behavior.

Biblical Context and Usage

1. Sin and Gratuitous Actions: The Bible frequently addresses the nature of sin as actions that are not only against God's commandments but also often gratuitous in their harm to others. In Psalm 35:19 , David laments, "Let not my enemies gloat over me without cause, nor those who hate me without reason wink in malice." Here, the phrase "without cause" underscores the gratuitous nature of the enmity and malice he faces.

2. Unjust Persecution: Gratuitous actions are also evident in the persecution of the righteous. Jesus Himself experienced such treatment, as noted in John 15:25 : "But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated Me without reason.’" This reflects the unwarranted hatred and opposition Jesus faced, fulfilling the prophecy of unjust persecution.

3. Grace and Gratuitous Favor: In contrast to gratuitous harm, the Bible also speaks of God's grace as a gratuitous gift. Ephesians 2:8-9 states, "For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast." Here, grace is described as an unmerited favor, freely given by God, highlighting the positive aspect of gratuitousness in divine generosity.

4. Human Relationships: Gratuitous actions in human relationships can lead to discord and strife. Proverbs 3:30 advises, "Do not accuse a man without cause, when he has done you no harm." This wisdom literature underscores the importance of avoiding baseless accusations and actions that can harm others without justification.

5. Moral and Ethical Implications: The Bible calls believers to act justly and love mercy, as seen in Micah 6:8 : "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" Gratuitous actions, particularly those that harm others, are contrary to the ethical and moral teachings of Scripture.

Theological Reflections

Gratuitous actions, whether in the form of sin or unwarranted persecution, are a reflection of the fallen human condition. However, the gratuitous grace of God offers redemption and transformation. Believers are called to emulate God's grace in their interactions, avoiding actions that are harmful or unjustified. The biblical narrative encourages a life marked by justice, mercy, and humility, standing in stark contrast to the gratuitousness of sin.
Greek
5483. charizomai -- to show favor, give freely
... Middle voice from charis; to grant as a favor, ie Gratuitously, in kindness, pardon
or rescue -- deliver, (frankly) forgive, (freely) give, grant. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5483.htm - 8k

1432. dorean -- as a gift, to no purpose
... Accusative case of dorea as adverb; gratuitously (literally or figuratively) --
without a cause, freely, for naught, in vain. see GREEK dorea. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1432.htm - 7k

1433. doreomai -- to give, present, bestow
... give. Middle voice from doron; to bestow gratuitously -- give. see GREEK doron.
(dedoremenes) -- 1 Occurrence. (dedoretai) -- 1 Occurrence. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1433.htm - 7k

Library

Whether Grace is Fittingly Divided into Sanctifying Grace and ...
... Therefore nature itself is given gratuitously by God. But nature is condivided
with grace. ... to sanctify and to be gratuitously given. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether grace is fittingly divided.htm

John Chapter xv. 24, 25
... and my Father: but [this cometh to pass] that the word might be fulfilled that is
written in their law, They hated me without a cause [gratuitously]." He calls ...
/.../augustine/homilies on the gospel of john/tractate xci john chapter xv.htm

Article xv (viii): of Human Traditions in the Church.
... discussed at length that men are justified by faith when they believe that they
have a reconciled God, not because of our works, but gratuitously, for Christ's ...
/.../melanchthon/the apology of the augsburg confession/part 20 article xv viii .htm

On the Same Words of the Gospel, John xvi. 8, "He Will Convict the ...
... of God; because by one man sin entered into the world, and death by his sin in whom
all have sinned;" [4264] therefore is it grace because given gratuitously. ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xciv on the same.htm

The Question Answered. Justification is Grace Simply and Entirely ...
... nothing else than God's grace, so also the eternal life which is the recompense
of a good life is the grace of God; moreover it is given gratuitously, even as ...
/.../anti-pelagian writings/chapter 20 the question answered justification.htm

Discussion of the Eleventh Item Continued.
... For the very name of grace, and the thing that is meant by it, is taken away, if
it is not bestowed gratuitously, but he only receives it who is worthy of it. ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 33 discussion of the eleventh.htm

Whether the Union of the Incarnation Took Place by Grace?
... I answer that, As was said above ([3873]FS, Q[110], A[1]), grace is taken in two
ways:"first, as the will of God gratuitously bestowing something; secondly ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the union of the 6.htm

Whether the Innocent is More Bound to Give Thanks to God than the ...
... Secondly, a favor may be said to be greater, because it is given more gratuitously;
and in this sense the penitent is more bound to give thanks than the ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the innocent is more.htm

Whether it is Lawful for an Advocate to Take a Fee for Pleading?
... Reply to Objection 1: Man is not bound to do gratuitously whatever he can do from
motives of mercy: else no man could lawfully sell anything, since anything ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether it is lawful for 9.htm

Whether the Gratuitous Graces were in Christ?
... gratuitous graces in Christ. Objection 2: Further, what is due to anyone would
not seem to be gratuitously bestowed on him. But it was ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the gratuitous graces were.htm

Thesaurus
Gratuitously (2 Occurrences)
...Gratuitously (2 Occurrences). Matthew 10:8 Heal the infirm, raise the dead, cleanse
lepers, cast out demons: ye have received gratuitously, give gratuitously. ...
/g/gratuitously.htm - 7k

Infirm (25 Occurrences)
... Infirm (25 Occurrences). Matthew 10:8 Heal the infirm, raise the dead, cleanse lepers,
cast out demons: ye have received gratuitously, give gratuitously. ...
/i/infirm.htm - 13k

Scribes (85 Occurrences)
... scribes were lawyers (see LAWYER), much of their time was occupied in teaching and
in judicial functions, and both these activities must be pursued gratuitously...
/s/scribes.htm - 49k

Gratitude (6 Occurrences)

/g/gratitude.htm - 8k

Gratulation (1 Occurrence)

/g/gratulation.htm - 6k

Welcome (31 Occurrences)
... news. 3. (n.) Free to have or enjoy gratuitously; as, you are welcome to
the use of my library. 4. (n.) Salutation to a newcomer. ...
/w/welcome.htm - 15k

Freely (101 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary (adv.) In a free manner; without restraint or compulsion;
abundantly; gratuitously. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. FREELY. ...
/f/freely.htm - 39k

Deposit (19 Occurrences)
... given as pledge or security. 8. (n.) A bailment of money or goods to be
kept gratuitously for the bailor. 9. (vt) Money lodged with ...
/d/deposit.htm - 15k

Charity (29 Occurrences)
... generosity. 4. (n.) Whatever is bestowed gratuitously on the needy or suffering
for their relief; alms; any act of kindness. 5. (n ...
/c/charity.htm - 23k

Alms (13 Occurrences)
... Noah Webster's Dictionary. (n. sing. & pl.) Anything given gratuitously to relieve
the poor, as money, food, or clothing; a gift of charity. Int. ...
/a/alms.htm - 22k

Resources
Gratuitously: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

Bible ConcordanceBible DictionaryBible EncyclopediaTopical BibleBible Thesuarus
Concordance
Gratuitously (2 Occurrences)

Matthew 10:8
Heal the infirm, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons: ye have received gratuitously, give gratuitously.
(DBY)

2 Corinthians 11:7
Have I committed sin, abasing myself in order that ye might be exalted, because I gratuitously announced to you the glad tidings of God?
(DBY)

Subtopics

Gratuitously

Related Terms

Gratuitously (2 Occurrences)

Pride (277 Occurrences)

Proud (96 Occurrences)

Grave (128 Occurrences)

Yours (226 Occurrences)

Galatians (2 Occurrences)

Epistle (13 Occurrences)

Gratitude vs. Ingratitude
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