As we enter the period of Advent and the build-up to the annual celebrations with friends and family, let us consider the word Charity.
Charity is the act of extending love and kindness to others unconditionally, which is a conscious act, but the decision is made by the heart, without expecting a reward.
The word charity comes from the French word carité and was first used in Middle English, around 1154. The meaning of charity has evolved over time, from “Christian love” to “providing for those in need”.
Some synonyms of charity include clemency, grace, leniency, and mercy.
In the Bible, charity is a virtue that is described as patient, kind, and forgiving. It is also a translation of the Greek word agapē, which means “love”.
Here are some Bible verses that discuss charity:
- 1 Corinthians 13: Describes charity as patient, kind, and forgiving, and says that it never fails.
- Matthew 5:44, 46: Jesus teaches to love enemies, bless those who curse, and do good to those who hate.
- Matthew 18:33 – 35: Jesus teaches that if people do not forgive others, their Father in Heaven will not forgive them.
- Proverbs 11:25: Says that a generous person will prosper.
- Psalm 37:21: Says that the righteous give generously.
- Matthew 6:3-4: Says that when giving to the needy, people should do so in secret.
- Proverbs 31:9: Says to speak up and judge fairly, and to defend the rights of the poor and needy.
In Christian theology, the life, teachings, and death of Jesus of Nazareth. are considered to be the most eloquent examples of charity.
- The Bible describes God as loving the stranger, executing justice for the fatherless and widow, and giving food and clothing.
The Greek word agape, which means “love”, is translated as “charity” in the King James Version of the Bible 26 times.
And finally…. – the word charity appears not once, but 19 times during your Perfection into our truly beautiful Order. You may also recall the following passage given to you by the Prelate after finding the three fundamental principles of our Order and being led from the depths of darkness to the Mansions of Light.
“For Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hope maketh not ashamed. 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. Charity never faileth; but whether there be prophecies, they shall fail; whether there be tongues, they shall cease; whether there be knowledge, it shall vanish away; for we know in part, and we prophesy in part; but when that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away”.
Let us therefore seek to follow these examples and set ourselves a New Year promise to be charitable to all those with whom we come in to contact and those in need.
May I wish you, your families and all those whom you know and love a very happy Christmas and a peaceful New Year.
God bless you all.
Ian
Christmas Greetings
Wishing You and Yours all the compliments of the Season
From
Ian & Irene, Taff & Donna
