Day 13 – Charity

“Now the purpose of the commandment is love from a pure heart, from a good conscience, and from sincere faith,” 1 Timothy 1:5

Charity – When we see our resources not only as God’s provision for us but as tools, He desires us to use to care for others.

Primarily found in the King James Version, the word ‘charity’ is commonly translated to ‘agape’ while modern translations render it more accurately as ‘love’. In Acts 9:36, referring to Docras – a woman full of good works and charity – the translated word for charity (elmeēmosuneē) is almsdeeds (or almsgiving). It indicates a stronger meaning of ‘compassion exercised towards the poor’.

When we view our resources not only as God’s provision for us but as tools He desires us to use for the care of others, we begin to understand the vastness of His ‘agape’ (love). The virtue of Biblical charity is much deeper than financial contributions or alms. It should also be seen as charitable acts as we find in Acts 3:6, where Paul and John interacted with the crippled beggar. Charity is giving of whatever resources we have to meet the needs of another.

As children of God, we too are “blessed to be a blessing” (Genesis 12:1-3). Through this, we are invited into a relationship with God. When caring for those He loves, we care for God. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38).

Prayer: Father, thank You for teaching us the importance and value of Biblical charity and that through our acts, we care for You, bring honor and glory to Your Name and extend Your love to those in need. Please show me opportunities to be wisely charitable and to bring honor to Your Name through these acts. Amen.

Love, Pastor Iriza