Topical Encyclopedia Charity, often synonymous with love in the biblical context, is a fundamental virtue enjoined upon believers throughout the Scriptures. It is not merely an act of giving but a profound expression of selfless love that reflects the character of God. The Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of charity as a manifestation of faith and obedience to God's commandments.Old Testament Foundations The concept of charity is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God's people are repeatedly instructed to care for the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. Leviticus 19:18 commands, "Love your neighbor as yourself," a principle that underpins the call to charity. Deuteronomy 15:11 further enjoins, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land. Therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." The prophets also echo this call, urging Israel to practice justice and mercy. Isaiah 58:7-8 highlights the true fast that God desires: "Is it not to share your bread with the hungry, and to bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, charity is elevated as a central tenet of Christian life. Jesus Christ exemplifies perfect charity, and His teachings underscore its necessity. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus identifies Himself with the needy, stating, "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in." This passage enjoins believers to see acts of charity as service to Christ Himself. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently exhorts the early church to practice charity. In 1 Corinthians 13:1-3, Paul emphasizes that without love, all spiritual gifts and acts of sacrifice are meaningless: "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am only a ringing gong or a clanging cymbal." Here, charity is portrayed as the greatest of virtues, surpassing even faith and hope. Paul also provides practical instructions for charity in Galatians 6:10: "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." This directive highlights the priority of caring for fellow believers while extending charity to all. Theological Implications Charity, as enjoined in Scripture, is not optional but a command that reflects the transformative power of the Gospel. It is an outward expression of the inward change brought about by faith in Christ. The Apostle John reinforces this in 1 John 3:17-18: "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God be in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." Charity is thus both a duty and a privilege for believers, serving as a testament to the love of God working through His people. It is a tangible demonstration of the Kingdom of God on earth, where love and compassion are the hallmarks of the Christian community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Colossians 3:14And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfection. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Third Kind of General Mortification is Silence; the which is ... Epistle xxiv. To Sabinianus, Bishop of Jadera . Another Kind of Men Living Together in Cities. Fasts of Three Days ... On the Words of the Gospel, Mark viii. 34, "If any Man Would Come ... The Precept of Loving One's Enemies it is as Much Taught in the ... Whether the Whole of this Life is the Time for Contrition? How the Impatient and the Patient are to be Admonished. Whether the New Law is Distinct from the Old Law? Whether Confession of Faith is Necessary for Salvation Whether the Precepts of Temperance are Suitably Given in the ... Resources What is the King James Version (KJV)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the 95 Theses of Martin Luther? | GotQuestions.org The Christian and Money ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org Charity: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Uncharitableness of Eli Toward Hannah Uncharitableness: Bildad Toward Job Uncharitableness: Charging Him With Bringing Them out of Egypt to Die Uncharitableness: Charging Him With Having Made Them Abhorrent to the Egyptians Uncharitableness: Eliphaz Toward Job Uncharitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Uncharitableness: Nathanael, when he Said "Can Any Good Thing Come out of Nazareth" Uncharitableness: The Tribes West of the Jordan River Toward the Two and a Half Tribes Uncharitableness: Zophar Toward Job Related Terms Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences) |
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