Charity

CHARITY (SURFACE LEVEL)

An organization or group whose primary objective is to provide for those in need. This typically includes the distribution of funds, services, and resources.

Before Jesus came there were very little, if any, organized charitable efforts at large in the world (Ac. 2:42-44; 4:32-35).

The example and teaching of Jesus changed the way the world reacted to those in need especially the poor, the widowed, and the orphaned (Ac. 6:1-4; 1 Tim. 5; Jas. 1:27).

CHARITY (THEOLOGICAL LEVEL)

God is love (1 Jn. 4:7-11, 16). God is the source of all love and everything He does is out of love (cp. Rev. 3:19).

The difficult commandment (Jn. 13:34-35). Jesus embodied and demonstrated God’s love (Jn. 3:16-17; 15:9). We are to love as He loved (Lk. 6:32-36; 23:34).

The double commandment (Mk. 12:29-31; Deut. 6:4-5; Lev. 19:18, 34; Rom. 13:8-10). If we are to love God with our entire being (vertical), we must also love our neighbors (horizontal). Who is my neighbor (Lk. 10:25-37)?

CHARITY (CONCEPTUAL LEVEL)

“Which of these three was neighbor to him?” (Lk. 10:30-36). In need of medical attention, three people saw the dying man and only one helped.“

The one who showed mercy” (Lk. 10:37a). Showing love to our neighbors is not about determining who our neighbor is (Rom. 12:17) but being a good neighbor (Rom. 12:20).

“Go and do likewise” (Lk. 10:37b). Loving our neighbors demands action; action that is selfless, costly, and done with the right motive (Lk. 10:33-35; 1 Cor. 13:1-4; Jas. 1:22).

CHARITY (PRACTICAL)

Our English word charity is thought to derive from the Latin word, caritas. In the Latin Vulgate, caritas was a translation of agape (love). Charity was popularized by the King James version (1 Cor. 13:1-13). Of the 28 times agape is translated charity in the Bible, it is used to refer to an action, quality, or virtue associated with man.

Let’s look at charity in the New Testament.

Charity as benevolence. In Luke and Acts, charity was primarily seen as a financial endeavor (almsgiving) to help those in need (Lk. 11:41; 12:37; Ac. 3:2; 9:36; 10:2).

Charity was major concern of the early church. Here’s how they handled it.

Common pool of resources to help the poor in Jerusalem (Ac. 2:45; 4:32-35).They did not tolerate those being neglected, overlooked, disregarded, or discriminated against (Ac. 6:1-5).They recognized the problems of the poor and sought help from other Christians to help meet their needs (Ga.l 2:10; 1 Cor. 16:1–4; 2 Cor. 8:1–9; Ac. 24:17). They wrote to remind others to be concerned about those in distress (Jas. 1:27), warned about partiality (Jas. 2:1-13), and condemned those who refused to share with those in need (1 Jn. 3:17).

What are some ways we can be more generous as individuals as well as a group? (Think of charitable opportunities that include being generous with our time as well.)

Charity of character (1 Cor. 8:1; 10:23-24; 13:1-4, 13; 16:14; Col. 3:14; 1 Pet. 4:8-10; 2 Pet. 1:7; 3 Jn. 6). In Paul’s writings (KJV), charity was a virtue that defined and determined a person’s character and personality. Peter and John wrote about having constant love for saints, sinners, and strangers.

Let’s notice the following passages and talk about charity in the local church and in the life of the Christian.

How does charity build up the church (1 Cor. 8:1; 10:23-24; 1 Pet. 4:8-10)?Why is charity (love) the motivation behind everything we do (1 Cor. 13:1-4; 16:14; 3 Jn. 6)?Why is charity something we have to grow in and add to (Col. 3:14; 2 Pet. 1:7)?

When God calls for us to share His love with others, may we do so with the proper attitude of heart. May we be willing to say to others: We love you because we are loved by God. Our love is extended toward you without conditions or ulterior motives. Our love knows no bounds as we seek to care more about being a good neighbor than determining who our neighbor is.