Topical Encyclopedia Liberality, or the generous giving of one's resources, is a virtue highly esteemed in the Christian faith. It reflects the character of God, who is the ultimate giver. However, Scripture emphasizes that such generosity should be exercised without ostentation, meaning it should not be done for the sake of public recognition or self-glorification.Biblical Foundation The Bible provides clear guidance on the manner in which believers are to practice liberality. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers on the proper attitude towards giving: "So when you give to the needy, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. Truly I tell you, they already have their reward" (Matthew 6:2). This passage underscores the importance of humility and discretion in acts of charity. Heart Attitude The heart attitude behind giving is of paramount importance. The Apostle Paul, in his second letter to the Corinthians, highlights the spirit in which believers should give: "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" (2 Corinthians 9:7). This verse emphasizes that giving should be a voluntary and joyful act, free from external pressures or the desire for human praise. Examples of Discreet Generosity The Bible provides examples of individuals who practiced liberality without seeking attention. One such example is the widow who gave two small coins at the temple. Jesus commended her not for the amount she gave, but for the sincerity and sacrifice behind her offering: "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all the others" (Luke 21:3). Her act of giving was done quietly and with genuine devotion. Warnings Against Ostentation Scripture also warns against the dangers of ostentatious giving. The account of Ananias and Sapphira in Acts 5 serves as a sobering reminder of the consequences of deceitful and self-serving generosity. Their attempt to gain prestige through false representation of their giving resulted in severe judgment. This narrative illustrates the seriousness with which God views the motives behind our acts of liberality. Practical Application Believers are encouraged to practice liberality in a manner that aligns with biblical principles. This involves giving in secret, as Jesus advised: "But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you" (Matthew 6:3-4). This teaching encourages Christians to focus on pleasing God rather than seeking human approval. In summary, the exercise of liberality should be characterized by humility, sincerity, and a desire to honor God rather than oneself. By adhering to these principles, believers can ensure that their acts of generosity are pleasing in the sight of the Lord. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 6:1-3Take heed that you do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise you have no reward of your Father which is in heaven. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Hail, Jesus; English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566. A Discourse of Mercifulness Period I: the Imperial State Church of the Undivided Empire, or ... 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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