Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Scope Liberality, in a biblical context, refers to the quality of being generous and open-handed in giving. It encompasses not only the sharing of material resources but also the offering of time, kindness, and compassion. The Bible encourages believers to practice liberality as a reflection of God's own generosity toward humanity. Biblical Foundation The call to exercise liberality toward all men is deeply rooted in Scripture. The Apostle Paul, in his epistles, frequently exhorts believers to be generous. In Galatians 6:10 , he writes, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith." This verse underscores the importance of extending kindness and generosity to all, while also highlighting a special responsibility toward fellow believers. Old Testament Insights The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the practice of liberality. Proverbs 11:25 states, "A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This proverb emphasizes the reciprocal nature of generosity, suggesting that those who give freely will themselves be blessed. Additionally, Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instructs, "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs." New Testament Teachings The New Testament continues to build on the theme of liberality. Jesus Himself taught the importance of generosity in the Sermon on the Mount. In Matthew 5:42 , He instructs, "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." This teaching encourages believers to be open-handed and willing to help those in need. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this principle in 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , where he 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." Here, Paul emphasizes the attitude of the heart in giving, highlighting that generosity should be a joyful and willing act. Practical Application The exercise of liberality toward all men can take many forms. It may involve financial assistance, sharing of resources, or offering time and support to those in need. The early church provides a model of such generosity, as seen 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." Spiritual Significance Practicing liberality is not merely a social or ethical obligation; it is a spiritual act that reflects the character of God. In 1 John 3:17 , the apostle challenges believers, "If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has no pity on him, how can the love of God abide in him?" This verse underscores that true love for God is demonstrated through acts of generosity and compassion toward others. Conclusion While a conclusion is not provided, the biblical mandate for liberality is clear: believers are called to be generous toward all men, reflecting the boundless grace and love of God in their interactions with others. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 6:10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good to all men, especially to them who are of the household of faith. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Moral Characteristics. Fifth Sunday after Epiphany The Planting of the Church in New England --Pilgrim and Puritan. Preface to Original Edition by Charles Kingsley The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus. The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive. Ezra, the Priest and Scribe General Conference of 1824 The New Covenant: a Covenant of Grace A Discourse of Mercifulness Resources Liberality: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus 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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