Having given some thought to the passage of Scripture
concerning "charity, faith and hope," from 1 Corinthians
chapter 13, I was compelled to get definitions of the three
words. The best you will find are from Scripture. Secular
sources also shed light on our understanding of the terms.
concerning "charity, faith and hope," from 1 Corinthians
chapter 13, I was compelled to get definitions of the three
words. The best you will find are from Scripture. Secular
sources also shed light on our understanding of the terms.
Let's deal with
charity first, since it is stated as "greatest"
of the three: Charity may be loosely defined; eleemosy-
nary care in all dealings with others, whatever their state
or status. To express charity is to extend time, resources
or support to those who have needs you are able to meet.
of the three: Charity may be loosely defined; eleemosy-
nary care in all dealings with others, whatever their state
or status. To express charity is to extend time, resources
or support to those who have needs you are able to meet.
This "action" is performed without prejudice, any hint of
denigration
or distain. Rather, it is in the spirit of consi-
dering the
one for whom you care to be a peer in every
respect.
We must always take care to have an attitude of
"There, but for the grace of God, go I." There is also the
"There, but for the grace of God, go I." There is also the
principle
of Scripture; "Therefore all things whatsoever
ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to
them, for this is the law and the prophets." (Matthew
7:12)
Charity is the Lord's work and may only be done
in his name and
power. (The fullness of the Spirit of God)
If done "in the flesh," it will be fueled by self interest, with
If done "in the flesh," it will be fueled by self interest, with
no
positive, eternal effect or reward for the doer. In later
English translations of Scripture, the word charity is ren-
dered love. In this instance we might consider the wordssynonyms, but not synonymous. Charity could be defined
as "Love in action and must produce charitable actions
toward others.
English translations of Scripture, the word charity is ren-
dered love. In this instance we might consider the wordssynonyms, but not synonymous. Charity could be defined
as "Love in action and must produce charitable actions
toward others.
Hope is "earnest anticipation of future benefit not in
evidence." Faith
may be defined; "the
substance of things
hope for, the
evidence of things not seen." Hebrews 11:1
As long as
faith and hope are based on knowledge of the
Word of God,
(Scripture) they are the principles leading
one to a
dynamic, personal relationship with our Lord;
the ability to serve Him with heart, body, soul, and mind.
the ability to serve Him with heart, body, soul, and mind.
Without these 3 principles at work in ones life, he is lost,
and there is no
"hope" of eternal life in Christ. Motiva-
tion for "charitable" acts is the Love of our Lord Jesus
Christ with a confessed belief that our eternal life is of,
for, and by him.
donporter,sr 7.30.18, edited 10.19.18
tion for "charitable" acts is the Love of our Lord Jesus
Christ with a confessed belief that our eternal life is of,
for, and by him.
donporter,sr 7.30.18, edited 10.19.18
