Topical Encyclopedia Liberality, or generosity, is a virtue that is highly esteemed in the Bible, particularly when directed toward the poor. The Scriptures consistently encourage believers to show kindness and provide for those in need, reflecting God's own compassion and provision.Biblical Mandate for Generosity The Bible provides clear instructions for believers to exercise liberality toward the poor. 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 presence of poverty and the ongoing responsibility of God's people to address it through generous giving. Examples of Generosity in Scripture The Old Testament offers numerous examples of liberality toward the poor. In the book of Ruth, Boaz exemplifies generosity by allowing Ruth, a destitute widow, to glean in his fields and providing her with extra grain (Ruth 2:15-16). This act of kindness not only meets Ruth's immediate needs but also reflects the broader principle of caring for the vulnerable. In the New Testament, the early church is depicted as a community characterized by mutual support and generosity. Acts 4:34-35 states, "There were no needy ones among them, because those who owned lands or houses would sell their property, bring the proceeds from the sales, and lay them at the apostles’ feet for distribution to anyone as he had need." This passage highlights the communal effort to ensure that no member of the church suffered from lack. The Heart of Generosity The Bible emphasizes that true liberality is not merely about the act of giving but the heart behind it. In 2 Corinthians 9:7 , Paul writes, "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 underscores the importance of giving willingly and joyfully, as an expression of love and obedience to God. Promises and Blessings Scripture also assures believers of the blessings associated with generosity. Proverbs 19:17 declares, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This promise indicates that God Himself honors and rewards those who show compassion to the poor. Furthermore, Jesus teaches in Luke 6:38 , "Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you." This principle of reciprocity encourages believers to give liberally, trusting in God's provision and faithfulness. Conclusion The biblical call to exercise liberality toward the poor is a reflection of God's own generous nature. By giving to those in need, believers not only fulfill a divine mandate but also participate in the work of God's kingdom, demonstrating His love and mercy to a world in need. Torrey's Topical Textbook Deuteronomy 15:11For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command you, saying, You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor, and to your needy, in your land. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 58:7 Library Moral Characteristics. Fifth Sunday after Epiphany Acts XXIV "Give Ye them to Eat" Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... The Rival Empresses --Pulcheria and Eudocia The Last Interview of Paul with the Elders of Ephesus. Preface to Original Edition by Charles Kingsley The Planting of the Church in New England --Pilgrim and Puritan. Post-Nicene Mothers 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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