Topical Bible: The Poor: May Be: Liberal

◄ The Poor: May Be: Liberal ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of the poor being liberal is an intriguing aspect of biblical teaching, highlighting the paradox that those with little can often be the most generous. This theme is woven throughout Scripture, illustrating that true generosity is not dependent on material wealth but on the condition of the heart and the willingness to give.

Biblical Examples and Teachings

1. The Widow's Offering: One of the most poignant examples of the poor being liberal is found in the account of the widow's offering. In Mark 12:41-44 , Jesus observes a poor widow who contributes two small coins to the temple treasury. He remarks, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. For they all contributed out of their surplus, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on." This passage underscores the principle that generosity is measured not by the amount given but by the sacrifice and intent behind the giving.

2. The Macedonian Churches: In 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 , Paul commends the churches of Macedonia for their generosity despite their own poverty. He writes, "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." The Macedonians exemplify how the poor can be liberal, driven by joy and a desire to support fellow believers.

3. Proverbs on Generosity: The book of Proverbs frequently associates generosity with blessing, regardless of one's economic status. Proverbs 11:24-25 states, "One gives freely, yet gains even more; another withholds what is right, only to become poor. A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed." This wisdom literature suggests that liberality is a virtue that leads to spiritual and sometimes material enrichment.

4. The Principle of Sowing and Reaping: The New Testament reinforces the idea that liberality, even from the poor, is honored by God. In 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 , 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 principle encourages believers to give liberally, trusting in God's provision.

Theological Implications

The biblical portrayal of the poor as liberal challenges societal norms that equate wealth with the ability to give. It emphasizes that God's economy operates on different principles, where the heart's posture is more significant than the size of the gift. This teaching encourages all believers, regardless of their financial status, to practice generosity and trust in God's faithfulness to provide.

Practical Applications

1. Encouragement to Give: Believers are encouraged to give generously, regardless of their financial situation, trusting that God values the heart behind the gift more than the amount.

2. Community Support: Churches and Christian communities are called to support and uplift the poor, recognizing their potential for generosity and the blessings that come from mutual aid and support.

3. Spiritual Growth: Practicing liberality, even in poverty, can lead to spiritual growth and a deeper reliance on God's provision, fostering a community of faith that reflects God's kingdom values.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Mark 12:42
And there came a certain poor widow, and she threw in two mites, which make a farthing.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 9:12
For the administration of this service not only supplies the want of the saints, but is abundant also by many thanksgivings to God;
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Due Measure must be Observed in Liberality, that it May not be ...
... to be shown day by day, and that we may not have ... the needy, and bury the life of
the poor as it ... sighted in making provision for the future, and liberal in the ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xvi due measure must.htm

A Liberal Church
... That there may be funds in the treasury for the support ... cause of God and to educate
them to be liberal. ... Even the very poor should bring their offerings to God. ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 32 a liberal church.htm

Whether the Matter of Magnificence is Great Expenditure?
... For it regards the liberal man, inasmuch as it proceeds ... is the inward choice, and
a virtue may have this without outward fortune: so that even a poor man may ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether the matter of magnificence.htm

In what Way Faith is Necessary for Repentance. ...
... 83. And I do not deny that sins may be diminished by liberal gifts to the
poor, but only if faith commend what is spent. For what ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter ix in what way.htm

Preaching for the Poor
... to gospelize any man, and to gospelize a poor man ... profane man serious, to make a
grasping man liberal, to make ... The Lord grant that the whole of us may feel the ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 3 1857/preaching for the poor.htm

Whether Liberality is a virtue?
... granted by God to some, in order that they may obtain the ... iv, 1) that "the liberal
man does not neglect his own ... did, who slew his oxen and fed the poor, that he ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether liberality is a virtue.htm

Liberality to the Poor is Recommended by the Example of the Widow ...
... it is to be merciful and liberal towards the ... profitable chastity gathering treasure;
that she may preserve the ... her dear children, and to minister to the poor. ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter v liberality to the.htm

To Defend the Weak, or to Help Strangers, or to Perform Similar ...
... 541] For the Scriptures teach us not to be wasteful, but liberal. ... of liberality to
keep due measure towards the poor themselves, that one may have enough ...
/.../ambrose/works and letters of st ambrose/chapter xxi to defend the.htm

A Liberal Education: and Where to Find It.
... would rather that the children of the poor should grow ... may be said that all these
animadversions may apply to ... rate, must be allowed to give a liberal education ...
/.../huxley/lay sermons addresses and reviews/iii a liberal education and.htm

section ii.
... be true, I must confess I am charitable only in my liberal intentions, and ... of wonder,
but an example of the noblest Charity, surely poor men may also build ...
//christianbookshelf.org/browne/religio medici/section ii 2.htm