Topical Encyclopedia The concept of being charitable is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, emphasizing love, generosity, and kindness towards others. The term "charitable" is often associated with acts of giving and compassion, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Jesus Christ.Old Testament Foundations The Old Testament lays the groundwork for charitable behavior, particularly in the laws given to the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8 , it is written: "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." This passage underscores the importance of generosity and the responsibility to care for the needy within the community. The book of Proverbs also highlights the blessings associated with charitable actions. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse suggests that acts of charity are not only beneficial to the recipient but are also seen as a service to God Himself, with the promise of divine reward. New Testament Teachings In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and teaches the essence of charity. His life and ministry were marked by compassion and selfless service. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers on the nature of true charity. Matthew 6:1-4 advises, "Be careful not to perform your righteous acts before men to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. 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 full reward. 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." The Apostle Paul further elaborates on the importance of charity in his letters. In 1 Corinthians 13:3 , he writes, "If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing." This passage highlights that charity must be motivated by genuine love, rather than obligation or desire for recognition. Charity as a Reflection of God's Love Charitable actions are a reflection of God's love and mercy. In 1 John 3:17-18 , the apostle John challenges believers: "If anyone with earthly possessions sees his brother in need but withholds his compassion from him, how can the love of God abide in him? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." This call to action emphasizes that true charity is an expression of God's love working through His people. Practical Applications The Bible encourages believers to practice charity in various forms, including almsgiving, hospitality, and acts of service. The early church exemplified this in Acts 2:44-45 , where it is recorded, "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 lifestyle demonstrated a profound commitment to meeting the needs of others. Charity remains a vital aspect of Christian life, serving as a testament to faith and a means of glorifying God. Through charitable acts, believers are called to embody the love and compassion of Christ, impacting the world around them. Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (a.) Full of love and good will; benevolent; kind.2. (a.) Liberal in judging of others; disposed to look on the best side, and to avoid harsh judgment. 3. (a.) Liberal in benefactions to the poor; giving freely; generous; beneficent. 4. (a.) of or pertaining to charity; springing from, or intended for, charity; relating to almsgiving; eleemosynary; as, a charitable institution. 5. (a.) Dictated by kindness; favorable; lenient. Greek 3009. leitourgia -- a service, a ministry ... service, a ministry. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: leitourgia Phonetic Spelling: (li-toorg-ee'-ah) Short Definition: a charitable gift, public ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/3009.htm - 7k 3008. leitourgeo -- to serve the state, ie by anal. to perform ... Library For a Charitable Occasion. For a Charitable Occasion. Charitable Judgment. For a Charitable Meeting. Anniversary of a Charitable Association. LM Scott. Charitable Judgment. LMEH Chapin. For a Charitable Occasion. Charitable Judgment. Psalm 112 the Blessings of the Pious and Charitable. Psalm 112:2. LM The Blessings of the Pious and Charitable. Thesaurus Charitable (2 Occurrences)... 4. (a.) of or pertaining to charity; springing from, or intended for, charity; relating to almsgiving; eleemosynary; as, a charitable institution. ... /c/charitable.htm - 7k Charitably (1 Occurrence) Service (317 Occurrences) Jaffa (10 Occurrences) Gathering (71 Occurrences) Giving (611 Occurrences) Wholly (67 Occurrences) Interest (35 Occurrences) Institution (1 Occurrence) Fatherless (44 Occurrences) Resources What does the Bible say about charity? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is virtue signaling? | GotQuestions.org What is the YMCA / YWCA? | GotQuestions.org Charitable: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Charitable (2 Occurrences)Matthew 6:1 Acts 9:36 Subtopics Charitableness: General Scriptures Concerning Related Terms |
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