Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Meaning: Liberality, in a biblical context, refers to the quality of being generous and open-handed, especially in giving to others. It encompasses a spirit of generosity that reflects God's own nature and His commands to care for others. This virtue is often associated with financial giving, but it also includes the giving of time, resources, and love. Biblical References and Examples: 1. Old Testament Foundations: The concept of liberality is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This verse highlights the reciprocal nature of generosity, suggesting that those who give freely will themselves be blessed. In Deuteronomy 15:10 , God commands the Israelites to be generous: "Give generously to him, and do not let your heart be grieved when you do so. And because of this, the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything to which you put your hand." Here, liberality is linked to divine blessing and prosperity. 2. New Testament Teachings: The New Testament continues to emphasize the importance of liberality. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , Paul writes, "Consider this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. 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 passage underscores the principle that generosity should be voluntary and joyful, reflecting a heart aligned with God's will. Jesus Himself taught about liberality in Luke 6:38 : "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." This teaching encourages believers to give abundantly, trusting in God's provision. 3. Examples of Liberality in Action: The early church provides a model of liberality in Acts 2:44-45 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This communal sharing reflects a radical form of generosity that characterized the early Christian community. The Macedonian churches are also commended for their liberality in 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 : "And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. In the terrible ordeal they suffered, their abundant joy and deep poverty overflowed into rich generosity. For I testify that they gave according to their ability and even beyond it." Despite their own poverty, the Macedonians exemplified the spirit of liberality. Theological Significance: Liberality is not merely a moral obligation but a reflection of God's character. As believers are called to imitate Christ, who gave Himself fully for humanity, they are also called to live generously. This virtue is a tangible expression of love and faith, demonstrating trust in God's provision and a commitment to the well-being of others. Practical Application: Christians are encouraged to practice liberality in various aspects of life. This includes financial giving to the church and charitable causes, offering time and talents to serve others, and extending hospitality and kindness. The practice of liberality fosters community, supports the mission of the church, and serves as a witness to the world of God's love and grace. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The quality or state of being liberal; liberal disposition or practice; freedom from narrowness or prejudice; generosity; candor; charity.2. (n.) A gift; a gratuity; -- sometimes in the plural; as, a prudent man is not impoverished by his liberalities. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia LIBERAL; LIBERALITY; LIBERALLYlib'-er-al, lib-er-al'-i-ti, lib'-er-al-i: The different forms of the word all refer to one who is generous, bountiful, willing and ready to give and to help. Both the Hebrew words of the Old Testament and the Greek words of the New Testament translated into the English word "liberal" have a deeper and nobler meaning than is generally conveyed by the English word. In Proverbs 11:25, the liberal soul (nephesh berakhah) means a soul that carries a blessing. In Isaiah 32:5, the American Standard Revised Version has "bountiful" where the King James Version has "liberal," and in Isaiah 32:8 "noble" takes the place of "liberal" (nadhibh). The principal Greek words are haplotes literally, "simplicity," "sincerity," and charis, "grace," "favor." In 1 Corinthians 16:3, "bounty" substitutes "liberality." It is well to bear in mind that a Biblical liberality can spring only out of a noble soul, and is Godlike in its genesis and spirit. Greek 2130. eumetadotos -- ready to impart ... [The prefix () "emphasizes the nuance either of liberality, or the ease, promptitude, and joy with which one makes one's wealth useful to (cf. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/2130.htm - 7k 572. haplotes -- singleness, hence simplicity 100. hadrotes -- thickness, abundance 5485. charis -- grace, kindness Strong's Hebrew 292. Achinadab -- "my brother is noble," an official of Solomon... Ahinadab. From 'ach and nadab; brother of liberality; Achinadab, an Israelite -- Ahinadab. see HEBREW 'ach. see HEBREW nadab. 291, 292. Achinadab. 293 . ... /hebrew/292.htm - 6k 5992. Amminadab -- "my kinsman is noble," the name of several ... Library Of Liberality. ... Methodical Liberality Whether Liberality is About Money? Whether Liberality is a virtue? Whether Liberality is the Greatest of the virtues? Whether Liberality is a Part of Justice? Of Liberality (Six Articles) Whether Covetousness is Opposed to Liberality? Christ Teaching Liberality Whether Using Money is the Act of Liberality? Thesaurus Liberality (7 Occurrences)... Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LIBERAL; LIBERALITY; LIBERALLY. ... GH Gerberding. Multi-Version Concordance Liberality (7 Occurrences). ... /l/liberality.htm - 10k Liberal (11 Occurrences) Liberally (4 Occurrences) Generosity (6 Occurrences) Free-hearted (3 Occurrences) Charity (29 Occurrences) Libertines (1 Occurrence) Generous (17 Occurrences) Bounty (14 Occurrences) Ahinadab (1 Occurrence) Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Liberality (7 Occurrences)Romans 12:8 1 Corinthians 16:3 2 Corinthians 8:2 2 Corinthians 9:11 2 Corinthians 9:13 Esther 1:7 Esther 2:18 Subtopics Liberality in Antioch (Of Syria) Liberality: Araunah for Sacrifice Liberality: Barzillai and Others to David Liberality: Blessings Connected With Liberality: Characteristic of Saints Liberality: Christ Set an Example of Liberality: Elisha Toward Elijah Liberality: Exercise of, Provokes Others To Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Churches of Macedonia Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Israelites Liberality: Extraordinary - Exemplified: Poor Widow Liberality: General Scriptures Concerning Liberality: Israelites at the Erection of the Tabernacle Liberality: Israelites' offerings for the Temple Liberality: Jews After the Captivity Liberality: Joash and his People Liberality: King of Sodom to Abraham Liberality: Labour to be Enabled to Exercise Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Having Faith Liberality: Lack of a Proof of not Loving God Liberality: Lack of Brings Many a Curse Liberality: People of Melita (Malta) to Paul Liberality: Pharaoh to Joseph's People Liberality: Queen of Sheba to Solomon Liberality: should be Exercised in Forwarding Missions Liberality: should be Exercised in Giving Alms Liberality: should be Exercised in Leading to Those in Want Liberality: should be Exercised in Relieving the Destitute Liberality: should be Exercised in Rendering Personal Services Liberality: should be Exercised in the Service of God Liberality: should be Exercised with Simplicity Liberality: should be Exercised without Ostentation Liberality: should be Exercised: Abundantly Liberality: should be Exercised: According to Ability Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward all Men Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Enemies Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Saints Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Servants Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward Strangers Liberality: should be Exercised: Toward the Poor Liberality: should be Exercised: Willingly Liberality: The Good Samaritan Liberality: The Magi (Wise Men from the East) Liberality: Unprofitable, Without Love Related Terms Instrumentality (5 Occurrences) |
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