Charitableness, often synonymous with love in action, is a fundamental virtue in Christian teaching, reflecting the character of God and the life of Jesus Christ. The Bible provides numerous exhortations and examples that underscore the importance of charitable behavior among believers.

Old Testament Foundations

The concept of charitableness is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where God's people are repeatedly called to care for the needy and show kindness to others. In Deuteronomy 15:7-8, the Israelites are instructed: "If there is a poor man among your brothers within any of the gates in the land that the LORD your God is giving you, you are not to harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor brother. Instead, you are to open your hand to him and freely loan him whatever he needs."

Proverbs 19:17 highlights the blessing associated with charitable acts: "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." This verse emphasizes that acts of charity are not only beneficial to the recipient but are also seen as service to God Himself.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament further develops the theme of charitableness, with Jesus Christ serving as the ultimate example. In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus teaches about the final judgment, where acts of charity are equated with serving Him: "For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you looked after Me; I was in prison and you visited Me... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me."

The Apostle Paul also emphasizes the importance of charity in the life of a believer. In 1 Corinthians 13:3, he writes, "If I give all I possess to the poor and exult in the surrender of my body, but have not love, I gain nothing." Here, Paul underscores that true charitableness must be motivated by love, not merely by duty or desire for recognition.

In 2 Corinthians 9:7, Paul encourages cheerful giving: "Each one should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not out of regret or compulsion. For God loves a cheerful giver." This verse highlights the attitude with which charitable acts should be performed, emphasizing willingness and joy.

Practical Exhortations

The early church is depicted as a community characterized by charitableness. Acts 2:44-45 describes the believers' communal life: "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." This passage illustrates the practical outworking of charity within the Christian community.

James 1:27 provides a succinct definition of pure religion: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." This verse calls believers to active compassion, particularly towards those who are most vulnerable.

Conclusion

The biblical call to charitableness is clear and compelling, urging believers to reflect God's love through acts of kindness and generosity. This virtue is not only a command but a reflection of the transformative power of the Gospel in the life of a Christian.Proverbs 10:12
Hatred stirs up strifes: but love covers all sins.
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Proverbs 17:9
He that covers a transgression seeks love; but he that repeats a matter separates very friends.
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Matthew 5:23,24
Therefore if you bring your gift to the altar, and there remember that your brother has ought against you;
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Matthew 6:14
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
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Matthew 7:1-5
Judge not, that you be not judged.
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Matthew 18:21-35
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
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Luke 6:36-42
Be you therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
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Luke 17:3,4
Take heed to yourselves: If your brother trespass against you, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.
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John 7:24
Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment.
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Romans 14:1-23
Him that is weak in the faith receive you, but not to doubtful disputations.
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1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.
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1 Corinthians 10:28-33
But if any man say to you, This is offered in sacrifice to idols, eat not for his sake that showed it, and for conscience sake: for the earth is the Lord's, and the fullness thereof:
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1 Corinthians 13:1-13
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.
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1 Corinthians 16:14
Let all your things be done with charity.
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Galatians 6:1
Brothers, if a man be overtaken in a fault, you which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering yourself, lest you also be tempted.
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Ephesians 4:32
And be you kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake has forgiven you.
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Colossians 3:13,14
Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you.
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1 Timothy 1:5
Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:
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1 Timothy 4:12
Let no man despise your youth; but be you an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity.
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2 Timothy 2:22
Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart.
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James 2:13
For he shall have judgment without mercy, that has showed no mercy; and mercy rejoices against judgment.
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James 4:11,12
Speak not evil one of another, brothers. He that speaks evil of his brother, and judges his brother, speaks evil of the law, and judges the law: but if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law, but a judge.
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1 Peter 3:9
Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that you are thereunto called, that you should inherit a blessing.
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1 Peter 4:8
And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.
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Concerning Worship.
... of those acts, whether private or public, general or particular ... than in abusing man's
mind concerning this thing ... from the letter of the scriptures, and patching ...
/.../proposition xi concerning worship.htm

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