Definition and Importance:
Charities, in the biblical context, refer to acts of love, kindness, and giving, particularly towards those in need. The concept of charity is deeply rooted in the Christian faith, emphasizing the importance of selfless love and generosity as a reflection of God's love for humanity. The Bible encourages believers to practice charity as a demonstration of their faith and obedience to God's commandments.

Old Testament Foundations:
The Old Testament lays the groundwork for charitable acts, often associating them with justice and righteousness. In Deuteronomy 15:11 , it is written, "For there will never cease to be poor in the land; therefore I command you to open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor in your land." This command underscores the perpetual need for generosity and the responsibility of God's people to care for the less fortunate.

The concept of gleaning, as seen in Leviticus 19:9-10 , also illustrates early charitable practices: "When you reap the harvest of your land, you are not to reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest. You must not strip your vineyard bare or gather its fallen grapes. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God." This provision ensured that the poor and the alien had access to food, reflecting God's concern for all members of society.

New Testament Teachings:
The New Testament expands on the theme of charity, with Jesus Christ exemplifying and teaching the importance of love and generosity. In Matthew 25:35-36 , Jesus highlights the significance of charitable acts: "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in, I was naked and you clothed Me, I was sick and you looked after Me, I was in prison and you visited Me." These acts of kindness are portrayed as service to Christ Himself, emphasizing their spiritual importance.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes charity in his epistles. 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 underscores that charity must be motivated by genuine love, not merely by obligation or desire for recognition.

Charity in the Early Church:
The early Christian community is depicted as one marked by charitable acts and communal support. 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 lifestyle reflected a deep commitment to caring for one another and ensuring that no member of the community was in need.

Theological Significance:
Charity is not merely a social or ethical obligation but a theological imperative rooted in the character of God. It reflects the love and grace that God extends to humanity and serves as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel. In 1 John 3:17 , the apostle writes, "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?" This rhetorical question challenges believers to examine the authenticity of their faith in light of their willingness to practice charity.

Practical Application:
Believers are called to practice charity in various forms, including almsgiving, hospitality, and acts of service. The Bible encourages Christians to give generously and cheerfully, as stated in 2 Corinthians 9:7 : "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 verse highlights the importance of intentional and joyful giving as an expression of faith and love.

In summary, charity is a fundamental aspect of Christian life, deeply rooted in biblical teachings and exemplified by Jesus Christ and the early church. It is a tangible expression of love and faith, reflecting the character of God and the transformative power of the Gospel.(n.) Plural of Charity.

The General Conference of 1832
... We are not ignorant that we have been reproached with sectarian exclusiveness, in
holding off from national religious charities; but we are little concerned at ...
/.../chapter 11 the general conference.htm

The Voices of the Dead
... The holiest lessons are not in the word, but the life. The virtues that attract
us most are silent. The most beautiful charities go noiseless on their mission. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/chapin/the crown of thorns/the voices of the dead.htm

A Source Book for Ancient Church History
... Bartholomew, Apostle, 55. Basil of Caesarea, on Sabellianism, 181; his charities,
395; monastic rule, 405; on tradition, 484; on reverence shown images, 693. ...
/.../ayer/a source book for ancient church history/index 2.htm

"Confido"
... WHEN at last peace was partially restored to the country, the number of poor people
had enormously increased, and the charities that already existed were ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/forbes/life of st vincent de paul/chapter 11 confido.htm

The Relation of Home to the Church.
... Like the church, it rises superior to all the fluctuations of civil society, and
will live and flourish in all its tender charities, in all its sweet enjoyments ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter iv the relation of.htm

Elucidation.
... [2868] Long before the era of Constantine it was observed that the charities of
the Christians were so extensive"it may perhaps be said so excessive"that ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/elucidation.htm

When Marcellus, the Man of Consummate Piety, had Heard this ...
... their own country and friends. And even to all these charities Marcellus
added yet larger deeds of piety. For with a numerous band ...
/.../3 when marcellus the man.htm

Christ and Little Children
... then through other fires: to fashion when mothers leave them to the hired kindness
of a nurse, to selfishness when their want appeals to our charities in vain ...
/.../chadwick/the gospel of st mark/chapter 10 13-16 christ and little.htm

A Loyal Tribute
... A life touched with many gracious womanly charities, delighting in simple country
pleasures, not strange to the homes of the poor, quick to sympathise with ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/a loyal tribute.htm

Christianity and Society.
... The poor Gentile Christians of Paul's churches in Greece sent their charities to
the poor Jewish Christians in Palestine, and thus proved their gratitude for ...
/.../section 49 christianity and society.htm

Charities (4 Occurrences)
...Charities (4 Occurrences). Matthew 6:4 that your charities may be in secret; and
then your Father--He who sees in secret--will recompense you. (WEY). ...
/c/charities.htm - 7k

Offered (320 Occurrences)
... member of his household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people,
and continually offered prayer to God. (WEY). Acts 12:5 ...
/o/offered.htm - 37k

Liberal (11 Occurrences)
... of his household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people, and
continually offered prayer to God. (WEY RSV). Romans 12 ...
/l/liberal.htm - 12k

God-fearing (24 Occurrences)
... of his household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people, and
continually offered prayer to God. (WEY NIV). Acts 10:7 ...
/g/god-fearing.htm - 13k

Fearing (107 Occurrences)
... household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people, and continually
offered prayer to God. (WEY BBE DBY YLT NIV). Acts ...
/f/fearing.htm - 35k

Recompense (79 Occurrences)
... Recompense (79 Occurrences). Matthew 6:4 that your charities may be in secret; and
then your Father--He who sees in secret--will recompense you. (WEY ASV). ...
/r/recompense.htm - 30k

Recorded (141 Occurrences)
... Acts 10:4 Looking steadily at him, and being much alarmed, he said, "What do you
want, Sir?" "Your prayers and charities," he replied, "have gone up and have ...
/r/recorded.htm - 39k

Religious (13 Occurrences)
... member of his household. He was also liberal in his charities to the people,
and continually offered prayer to God. (WEY). Acts 13:43 ...
/r/religious.htm - 10k

Dorcas (3 Occurrences)
... was beloved for the manner in which she used her position and means, for she "was
full of good works, and almsdeeds which she did." Among her charities was the ...
/d/dorcas.htm - 9k

Charitably (1 Occurrence)

/c/charitably.htm - 7k

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