Charity

When someone speaks of charity or uses the term charity, we immediately turn to the belief someone did a good deed for another who is poor or in need. Sometimes we associate the term with a foundation which accepts monetary donations for the poor.

In contrast, with the term love, (which we often confuse the two) we immediately turn to a sense of admirable feeling toward another such as a child to a parent, spouse to spouse, or a sexual act of expression or affection.

There seems to be a great divide in the accepted meanings for charity and love. In religious terms, Christians think they are one in the same, except, in the usage in 1 Cor. 13. We are told this is the ‘love of God’ (agape) toward mankind; different from general love. (agapao) That is true. However, in our minds, we confuse the true meaning of God’s love–agape–with regular affection. Many really do not know the true meaning of Agape love–God’s love. I declare to you there is a great deception perpetrated against the truth. It becomes the greatest sin of all training mankind against the perfect will of God for mankind.

When we read 1 Corinthians 13 translated as ‘Love’ instead of ‘Charity’, we lose the entire meaning. Let us investigate the truth.

Apostle Paul says to Philippi, Phil. 2:3-4. 3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. This becomes the true definition of the love of God he wants for mankind. Charity is the proper term for the behavior Paul expressed. Let us learn.

Charity: Strong’s G26, Ag-ah’-pay: Bible usage is: affection, good-will, love, benevolence This is the usage in 1 Cor. 13:1-4. The better translation is ‘Charity’. To have charity toward our fellowman is to have affection, goodwill toward their plight or situation. It is the very definition Paul expressed in Phil. 1:3-4. … in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. 4 Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others. This is charity–affection, goodwill, benevolence, love toward all others.

To be affectionate is to have a fond attachment; devotion, or love for another. Paul told Corinth in the passage just before chapter 13: 1 Cor. 12:25-26. …there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. 26 And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it. This dialog is leading up to the greatest gift God has given to mankind, Charity–affection, fond attachment or devotion to others that they have the same life as you.

In the first century beginning with the stories from the book of Acts, the Christians had all things in common; they sold their possessions and shared them so the whole congregation had what they needed. Acts 4:32-36. The true love–charity–was being manifested and utilized. You saw what happened–the church grew in numbers immensely. Acts 6:1

Paul desired the church not to become as a worldly social club but as a benevolent club with a mission–utilize the gifts God bestowed upon the congregation for the good of the entire body of Christ.

Each member was gifted to do affectionately for another. These gifts had purpose and were distributed in an orderly fashion. Each member received as the Holy Spirit saw fit. Why?

1 Cor. 12:27-31. 27 Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular. 28 And God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, governments, diversities of tongues. 29 Are all apostles? are all prophets? are all teachers? are all workers of miracles? 30 Have all the gifts of healing? do all speak with tongues? do all interpret? 31 But covet earnestly the best gifts: and yet shew I unto you a more excellent way.

This was the lead up to teach the ‘more excellent way’. 1 Cor. 13. Not every member was given the exact same gift. Each one received the gift the Spirit saw necessary to confirm and supply the Spiritual needs of the whole congregation.

Before we enter into the study of ‘charity’, let us make sure we understand the meanings and perhaps the reason this chapter is interpreted using the term ‘charity’ rather than ‘love’.

Charity, or the Greek agape, is a definition more of the devotion to our fellowman expressing our desire for them to succeed in life and Godliness. It is of the love of men to men; especially of that love of Christians toward Christians which is enjoined and prompted by their religion, whether the love be viewed as in the soul or as expressed with goodwill. It includes the act of benevolence–a desire to do good to others; or an act of kindness, even to those not yet being believers. Let us turn to 1 Cor. 13.