Charity is very important when it comes to our walk with Jesus Christ, the Lord. Without it, everything we do in the name of Jesus will profit us nothing. This doctrine is not mine but is found in God’s Word. So don’t just take my word for it, but read from and listen to what the Bible has to say on this matter. Paul taught, “though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.” (1 Corinthians 13:1-3) We can have a great speaking voice, but without charity or love, it cannot lead people to know Jesus. This is because the Holy Spirit is not in us. I may have the gift of prophecy and be privy to seeing future events, but all this does not matter without charity. This is because pride and sin are often in people’s lives, which deter their giftings from God. Surely, we could do many miracles, but without charity, again it doesn’t help others and our own faith. This is because our evil thoughts cause us to also do wrong toward others, which deters us from what God was planning to do through His miracles in us. Only through constant prayer and studying the Bible, can we learn how to be charitable people.
But what is Charity? Often times we think it is just as the world defines it. That can be an organization that raises money for those in need, namely those who are homeless. It could also be a person who voluntarily gives of their time to help people in need. If they see any person who is poor or homeless, they jump to take care of their needs. And there we have it, the world defines charity as such. But what does the Bible say about charity? Is it the same thing as what the world says? To find out, Paul said, “charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) A charitable person does kind acts of service towards others but also does so much more. This is because God is with the person, which is far different than a person who is of the world alone. A charitable or loving person in God’s eyes is also a person who doesn’t envy what they see from people or things. They are simply humble servants of God, never looking for self-recognition. They act with self-control and their thoughts are in check with God. These people hate the appearance of evil and rejoice in what is true. A person who has charity endures life’s trials, that they may be worthy when they die. This is what God wants from us, which He gets the glory.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will each learn how to be charitable people for You and others. The world has a way to teach us how to be kind and loving, but not the way You are able to. When You reach into our soul, much more is able to come out of these kind and loving acts than we thought were possible. What the world leaves out is humility, that self-recognition is not sought after. You deserve the glory, not us. We lift You up, Lord. We are just grateful to be a worker in Your kingdom. We may do many marvelous things in the harvest for the welfare of other people, but if our own pride gets in the way, then what we do is in vain. That is why I cannot stress enough the fact that we need to rely on You in all things. Lord, help us to not be envious of what other people are doing also, but to stay focused on what You have done and will continue to do in our lives. May we gain self-control when certain things are thrown at us in the course of following You. There will be trials and tribulations, but if we can simply set our sights upon You at all times, things will be easier to bear. You even help us endure and keep the faith. Temptations may come, but we know that You are able to keep us from the enemy’s hands. There is nothing that Satan can throw at us that You cannot stop in his tracks. You are so good to us Lord and are the greatest teacher of all, especially when it comes to charity. Thank You for teaching me and for giving me the knowledge I need to carry on. I love You. Amen.
