S. Michael Houdmann Supporter Got Questions Ministries

The word charity is found primarily in the King James Version of the Bible, and it nearly always means "love." In the great "love chapter"-1 Corinthians 13-the KJV translates agape as "charity" whi...

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July 01 2013 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report

Jeffrey Johnson Supporter

What does the Bible say about charity?

The Bible presents charity (often translated as "love" or "giving") as a fundamental, joyful, and, selfless duty that reflects God's love. It commands believers to give generously to the poor, widows, and needy without seeking recognition, emphasizing that true generosity is a heartfelt, habitual, and unselfish action that honors God. 

Biblical Principles on Charity:

It is God's Love in Action: Charity, or agape love, is the highest form of love—a selfless, sacrificial love for others.

Heartfelt and Cheerful: Giving should not be done reluctantly or under compulsion, but from a willing heart. "God loves a cheerful giver".

Care for the Vulnerable: Scripture consistently commands caring for the poor, hungry, and marginalized, viewing it as lending to the Lord.

Without Seeking Recognition: Jesus taught that charity should be done in secret to avoid hypocrisy, rather than to be praised by others.

A "Blessed to be a Blessing" Mandate: As believers are blessed by God, they are expected to share, knowing that "it is more blessed to give than to receive".

Prioritize Love Above All: 1 Corinthians 13 teaches that any act of charity, if not done with love, is meaningless. 

Bible Verses on Charity:

1 Corinthians 13:13: "So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love" (often translated as charity).

Proverbs 19:17: "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and will be repaid in full".

2 Corinthians 9:7: "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver".

1 John 3:17: "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"

The Greatest Virtue: Paul famously states in 1 Corinthians 13:13 that, while faith and hope are essential, "the greatest of these is charity."

Characteristics: True charity is patient, kind, does not envy, and is not easily provoked. Without this love, even the most impressive spiritual gifts or massive donations are considered "nothing."

What motivated these individuals to give? It was more than a compassionate impulse triggered by an emotional appeal for help. They felt a personal moral responsibility to do what they could each day to help those experiencing poverty, adversity, illness, or other difficulties. (Proverbs 3:27, 28; James 2:15, 16) This is the kind of giving that pleases God. It is primarily motivated by a deep love for God and a desire to imitate his merciful and generous personality.​—Matthew 5:44, 45; James 1:17.

An occasion arose about 55 C.E. The congregations in Judea had fallen into poverty, perhaps as a result of the great famine that had recently taken place. (Acts 11:27-30) The apostle Paul, always concerned about the poor, enlisted the help of congregations as far away as Macedonia. He personally organized a collection and used approved men to deliver it. (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; Galatians 2:10)

What kind of giving pleases God? Read the following Bible verses:

Mt 6:3, 4; Ro 12:8; 2Co 9:7; Heb 13:16, Acts 20:35

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