Charity

What is Charity? In our society, the word is most often used to describe giving to a non-profit organization or to people less fortunate than ourselves. While that is a good example of what charity does, it doesn't convey the full meaning of the word. In the Bible, the word "charity" is used to denote a Christ-like love, the Greek word "agape".

Nowadays, the word "love" is vastly overused. We "love" everything from our pets to sports teams to foods to video games. You get the picture. So, when we say we love another person, the word has lost much of its value. I Corinthians 13 is called the love chapter because it describes what love does. In that chapter, the word used for love is the word "charity". In his sermon this morning, my pastor encouraged us to all read verses 4-7 and substitute our names for the word "charity". I have done so below, and I encourage each of you to do so also, and to evaluate whether it is true in your life. When we have Godly love for others, it will be true about us.

Suzanne suffereth long, and is kind; Suzanne envieth not; Suzanne vaunteth not (her)self, is not puffed up,
Doth not behave (her)self 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.