Liberality, as a Christian virtue, is deeply rooted in the biblical tradition of generosity and selflessness. It is the act of giving freely and abundantly, particularly in the context of almsgiving, which is the practice of providing for those in need. The Bible consistently encourages believers to exercise liberality, emphasizing that such acts are pleasing to God and beneficial to the community.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of liberality in giving alms is grounded in the teachings of both the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, the law of Moses instructed the Israelites to care for the poor and needy among them. Deuteronomy 15:11 states, "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 poor in your land." This command underscores the perpetual need for generosity and the responsibility of God's people to provide for those less fortunate.

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and teaches the importance of liberality. In the Sermon on the Mount, He instructs His followers on the proper attitude towards 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 passage highlights the importance of humility and sincerity in almsgiving, emphasizing that the act should be done for God's glory rather than human recognition.

Apostolic Teachings

The apostles continued to teach and model liberality in the early church. The Book of Acts records the communal sharing among believers, where "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" (Acts 4:34-35). This practice of communal support reflects the early church's commitment to ensuring that all members were cared for, demonstrating a profound sense of unity and love.

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of generous giving. In his second letter to the Corinthians, he 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" (2 Corinthians 9:7). Paul encourages believers to give willingly and joyfully, assuring them that such generosity will result in spiritual blessings and thanksgiving to God.

Spiritual Significance

Liberality in giving alms is not merely a social obligation but a spiritual discipline that reflects the character of God. 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 generosity are seen by God as investments in His kingdom, promising divine reward and favor.

Furthermore, liberality is a tangible expression of love and compassion, core tenets of the Christian faith. The Apostle John 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?" (1 John 3:17). This rhetorical question challenges believers to examine their hearts and actions, urging them to demonstrate God's love through practical support for those in need.

Practical Application

In practicing liberality, Christians are called to be mindful of their resources and the needs around them. The principle of stewardship is key, as believers are entrusted with resources to be used for God's purposes. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) serves as a powerful illustration of selfless giving, where the Samaritan goes out of his way to care for a stranger in distress, embodying the essence of neighborly love and compassion.

Ultimately, liberality in giving alms is a reflection of the transformative power of the Gospel, prompting believers to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with their God (Micah 6:8). Through generous giving, Christians participate in God's redemptive work, bringing hope and healing to a broken world.Luke 12:33
Sell that you have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that fails not, where no thief approaches, neither moth corrupts.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

A Discourse of Mercifulness
... this very reason, because he would have mercy exercised. ... Aristotle joins these two
together, liberality and utility ... and is not seen, so we should hide ourselves ...
/.../15 a discourse of mercifulness.htm

Acts XXIV
... he commanded the centurion that Paul should be guarded ... kind of cruelty and lust,
he exercised the authority ... something, perhaps of the general liberality of the ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xxiv.htm

The Foundation of the Church among the Jews
... at once the converting power of the Church was exercised. ... added to the Church daily
such as should be" [or ... suffered; and so great was the liberality of those ...
/.../blunt/a key to the knowledge of church history/chapter i the foundation of.htm

English Version of the Second Helvetic Confession, AD 1566.
... the same manner we preach that restitution and mercy, yea, and giving of alms, are
necessary ... Let not sin reign in your mortal body, that ye should obey it ...
/.../english version of the second.htm

Of the Lord's Supper, and the Benefits Conferred by It.
... Why it should be exploded ... been pleased by a pledge to assure us of his continued
liberality. ... has tried the same artifice, I will proceed, after giving a simple ...
/.../calvin/the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 17 of the lords.htm

The Historical Books. 1 the New Testament...
... can warrant the supposition that the apostle exercised a formal ... Lord's life on earth,
that part should be to ... which opens their hearts in liberality and causes ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxix the historical books.htm

Penitence, as Explained in the Sophistical Jargon of the Schoolmen ...
... ordinance if the Christian people were exercised in humiliation ... they could give,
unless that they should be forced ... to his favor by his mere liberality any one ...
/.../the institutes of the christian religion/chapter 4 penitence as explained.htm

The Iranian Conquest
... received no special names, but many exercised wide authority ... at the expiration of
which the battle should begin ... in the cradle, five hundred women giving it suck ...
/.../chapter ithe iranian conquest.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1832 to the Beginning ...
... the spirit of revival, and of liberality in support of ... I should soon collect around
me a more numerous ... Greek languages, and in mathematics, giving evidence, in ...
/.../chapter 12 from the close.htm

Summa Theologica
... Whether sacred doctrine is a matter of argument? Whether Holy Scripture should
use metaphors? ... Whether the word "person" should be said of God? ...
//christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/

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