Topical Encyclopedia The term "liberally" in the context of the Bible often refers to the act of giving generously and without reservation. This concept is deeply rooted in the character of God and is reflected in the behavior expected of His followers. The idea of liberality is associated with generosity, open-handedness, and a willingness to share one's resources with others.Divine Generosity God's nature is inherently generous, and His liberality is evident throughout Scripture. James 1:5 states, "Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." This verse highlights God's willingness to provide wisdom liberally to those who seek it, emphasizing His open-handedness and lack of reproach. Human Generosity Believers are called to emulate God's generosity in their own lives. Proverbs 11:25 declares, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This proverb underscores the principle that those who give liberally will themselves be blessed. The act of giving is not only a reflection of God's character but also a means of receiving His blessings. New Testament Teachings The New Testament further reinforces the importance of giving liberally. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , the Apostle Paul writes, "Remember 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 reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." This passage encourages believers to give freely and joyfully, trusting in God's provision and the principle of sowing and reaping. Practical Application The call to give liberally extends beyond financial resources. It includes time, talents, and acts of kindness. Acts 20:35 records Paul quoting Jesus, saying, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." This teaching encourages believers to adopt a lifestyle of generosity, reflecting the heart of God in their interactions with others. Old Testament Examples The Old Testament also provides examples of liberality. In Deuteronomy 15:10 , God instructs the Israelites, "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." This commandment to give generously to the needy is accompanied by a promise of divine blessing, reinforcing the value God places on liberality. Conclusion The biblical concept of giving liberally is a reflection of God's own generous nature and a call for His people to live in a way that mirrors His character. Through acts of generosity, believers not only meet the needs of others but also experience the joy and blessings that come from living a life of open-handedness and grace. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (adv.) In a liberal manner.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 574. haplos -- simply, sincerely ... liberally, sincerely. Adverb from haplous (in the objective sense of haplotes); bountifully; --liberally. see GREEK haplous. see GREEK haplotes. ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/574.htm - 7k 1632. ekcheo -- to pour out, fig. to bestow Strong's Hebrew 6059. anaq -- to serve as a necklace... anaq. 6060 . to serve as a necklace. Transliteration: anaq Phonetic Spelling: (aw-nak') Short Definition: liberally. ... compass about as a chain, furnish, liberally ... /hebrew/6059.htm - 6k 4530. missah -- sufficiency Library Whether it Belongs to a Liberal Man Chiefly to Give? Epistle Lix. To the Numidian Bishops, on the Redemption of their ... Prayer --A Privilege, Princely, Sacred There was True Justice under Saturnus, but it was Banished by ... Whether Liberality is a virtue? Loving Advice for Anxious Seekers A Liberal Church "Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C. Treatise viii. On Works and Alms. For Eight Years Gregory Has Given up the Practice Of Thesaurus Liberally (4 Occurrences)... (adv.) In a liberal manner. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. LIBERAL; LIBERALITY; LIBERALLY. ... GH Gerberding. Multi-Version Concordance Liberally (4 Occurrences). ... /l/liberally.htm - 8k Liberality (7 Occurrences) Bounty (14 Occurrences) Upbraideth (1 Occurrence) Jehiel (17 Occurrences) Lacks (27 Occurrences) Lacketh (17 Occurrences) Liberate (3 Occurrences) Liberal (11 Occurrences) Generously (12 Occurrences) Resources What is the biblical way to lead a child to Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about fear? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of “Cast your bread upon the waters” in Ecclesiastes 11:1? | GotQuestions.org Liberally: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Liberally (4 Occurrences)Acts 10:2 James 1:5 Deuteronomy 15:14 Psalms 37:26 Subtopics Related Terms |
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