The concept of acting charitably is deeply rooted in the teachings of the Bible, emphasizing love, kindness, and generosity towards others. The term "charitably" is often associated with the broader biblical principle of charity, which is understood as love in action, particularly towards those in need.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays the groundwork for charitable behavior through the laws and teachings given to the Israelites. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8 , the Israelites are instructed: "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 highlights the expectation of generosity and compassion towards the less fortunate.

The book of Proverbs also speaks to the virtue of charity, as seen in Proverbs 19:17 : "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse underscores the belief that charitable acts are not only beneficial to the recipient but are also seen as service to God Himself.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the theme of charity, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate example of selfless love and compassion. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus teaches about the importance of giving: "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 instruction emphasizes the purity of intention behind charitable acts, encouraging believers to give out of genuine love rather than for public recognition.

The Apostle Paul also addresses the concept 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." Here, Paul stresses that true charity is rooted in love, and without it, even the most generous acts are meaningless.

Practical Application

Charitable behavior is not limited to financial giving but encompasses a wide range of actions, including hospitality, service, and emotional support. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) illustrates this broader understanding of charity. The Samaritan's willingness to help a wounded stranger, regardless of ethnic and cultural barriers, exemplifies the call to love one's neighbor as oneself.

The early Christian community modeled charitable living, as described 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." This communal lifestyle reflects the transformative power of the Gospel, prompting believers to prioritize the needs of others.

Theological Significance

From a theological perspective, acting charitably is a reflection of God's character. As believers are called to imitate Christ, they are encouraged to embody His love and compassion in their interactions with others. The Apostle John writes in 1 John 3:17-18 , "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? Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth."

In summary, the biblical call to act charitably is a fundamental aspect of Christian living, rooted in the love of God and expressed through selfless service to others.(adv.) In a charitable manner.CHARITABLY

char'-i-ta-bli (kata agapen): The Revised Version (British and American), which substitutes "love" for "charity" regularly, removing the latter word from the vocabulary of Scripture, makes a like change in Romans 14:15, the only occurrence of "charitably" in the King James Version; the Revised Version (British and American) "in love."

See CHARITY.

Another Sermon of M. Latimer, Concerning the Same Matter.
... neighbour, if he were present; and that thou thinkest in thy heart, whensoever thou
shalt meet with him, to go unto him, and require him charitably to forgive ...
/.../sermons on the card and other discourses/another sermon of m latimer.htm

Rom. xiv. 14
... grieve him. Wherefore he proceeds,. Ver.15. "But if thy brother be grieved
with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably.". You see ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily xxvi rom xiv 14.htm

Latimer -- on Christian Love
... In such wise we should study to amend our neighbor, and not to hate him or do him
a foul turn again, but rather charitably study to amend him: whosoever now ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons volume i/latimer on christian love.htm

Volume iii. From the Year 1816 to the Year 1828.
... Indeed, the greatest fault I have heard, from those who are disposed to judge
charitably of my work, has been, that it is not sufficiently particular, or that ...
/.../volume iii from the year.htm

Chapter ii
... help us to "do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly before God." We need Divine
aid to act brotherly, wisely, and nobly, and to judge truly, and charitably ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bounds/the possibilities of prayer/chapter ii.htm

Entire Sanctification a Necessity.
... There are still others, and these God's children, as we may charitably believe,
who do not even regard holiness as a desirable thing. ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter i entire sanctification a.htm

Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times.
... entirely sanctified man, and this notwithstanding his subsequent error in regard
to drinking too much wine, of whose ill effects we may, charitably, suppose he ...
/.../clark/the theology of holiness/chapter iii entire sanctification in.htm

The Lame Man at the Temple Gate.
... the actual state of the spirit, and utter our most sceptical or our most devout
thoughts, and who can be trusted to respond charitably, confidentially, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/dods/how to become like christ/the lame man at the.htm

Introductory Note
... believe, with Mill and other learned authorities, that, if Eusebius had seen the
work he censures, he might have expressed himself more charitably concerning it ...
/.../tatian/tatians address to the greeks/introductory note.htm

The Mystery of the Cross. A Good Friday Sermon.
... theories of the universe which some of them are inclined to substitute for God,
they must at least be listened to patiently, and answered charitably, as men who ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/westminster sermons/sermon i the mystery of.htm

Charitably (1 Occurrence)
... Standard Bible Encyclopedia. CHARITABLY. ...Charitably (1 Occurrence). Romans 14:15
But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. ...
/c/charitably.htm - 7k

Walkest (11 Occurrences)
... the law. (KJV ASV DBY WBS). Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with
thy meat, now walkest thou not charitably. Destroy not ...
/w/walkest.htm - 10k

Charities (4 Occurrences)

/c/charities.htm - 7k

Charitable (2 Occurrences)

/c/charitable.htm - 7k

Meat (387 Occurrences)
... (See NIV). Romans 14:15 But if thy brother be grieved with thy meat, now walkest
thou not charitably. Destroy not him with thy meat, for whom Christ died. ...
/m/meat.htm - 36k

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