Topical Encyclopedia Liberality, or generosity, is a virtue that is highly esteemed in the Christian faith, particularly when directed toward fellow believers, often referred to as "saints" in the New Testament. The practice of liberality toward saints is rooted in the understanding of the Christian community as a family, where members are called to support and care for one another.Biblical Foundation The New Testament provides several exhortations and examples of liberality toward saints. In Romans 12:13, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." This directive underscores the importance of meeting the material needs of fellow Christians as an expression of love and unity within the body of Christ. In 2 Corinthians 8:1-4, Paul commends the Macedonian churches for their generosity, despite their own poverty: "And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the churches of Macedonia. In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints." This passage highlights the sacrificial nature of true liberality, which is not dependent on abundance but on a willing heart. Principles of Liberality 1. Voluntary and Cheerful Giving: Liberality should be exercised willingly and with joy. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul writes, "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 principle emphasizes that generosity should stem from a sincere desire to bless others, rather than from obligation or external pressure. 2. Proportionate to Ability: While the Macedonians gave beyond their means, the general principle is that believers should give according to their ability. In 1 Corinthians 16:2, Paul advises, "On the first day of every week, each of you should set aside a portion of his income, saving it up, so that when I come no collections will be needed." This suggests a systematic and thoughtful approach to giving, based on one's financial capacity. 3. A Reflection of God's Grace: Liberality toward saints is a reflection of the grace that believers have received from God. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, Paul reminds the Corinthians, "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." This theological foundation for generosity is rooted in the sacrificial love of Christ, which believers are called to emulate. Examples of Liberality The early church provides a model of communal support and liberality. Acts 2:44-45 describes the early believers: "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 was a practical expression of their unity and love for one another. Another notable example is found in the support given to the Jerusalem church. In Romans 15:26, Paul notes, "For Macedonia and Achaia were pleased to make a contribution for the poor among the saints in Jerusalem." This act of generosity was a tangible expression of solidarity and care across different Christian communities. Conclusion The exercise of liberality toward saints is a vital aspect of Christian discipleship, reflecting the love and grace of God. It fosters unity, meets practical needs, and serves as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. Through voluntary, cheerful, and proportionate giving, believers are called to support one another, embodying the familial bonds that define the church as the body of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Romans 12:13Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality. Torrey's Topical Textbook Galatians 6:10 Library Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus. Preface to Original Edition by Charles Kingsley The Beginning of Justification. In what Sense Progressive. A Discourse of Mercifulness The True Gnostic is Beneficent, Continent, and Despises Worldly ... The Rival Empresses --Pulcheria and Eudocia Post-Nicene Mothers Of the True Church. Duty of Cultivating Unity with Her, as the ... 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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