ESSENCE AND PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS OF CHARITY
OCTOBER 22, 2024
TEXT: 1 Corinthians 13:1-5
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.
And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.
And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.
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;
Yesterday, we looked into the meaning, nature and essential attributes of the term “Charity”, which we said, is synonymous with the word “love”. We pointed out that charity goes beyond just opening your mouth to profess it; rather, a practical application is needed. Today, we shall consider the essence and significance of charity in the society.
Essence of Charity
✅ Charity serves as a perfect demonstration of our love for God. How can you claim you love God when your life does not portray God who Himself is an embodiment of perfect love? It’s not possible. (1 John 4:20-21)
✅ Through our charity, we are able to perfectly illustrate the nature and person of God to the world. God is love and by virtue of our sonship position, it is only natural that we emulate our Father by also being charitable and loving. (Matthew 5:16)
✅ In addition, charity gives a sense of satisfaction to the person demonstrating it. You can’t be a genuine believer solving people’s needs and not enjoy genuine satisfaction from it.
✅ Charity brings everlasting blessing to one’s life. There are some things a person does that will eventually speak for him positively in future. (Acts 20:35)*Practical Applications of Charity
✅ Donate generously to reputable food banks around you.
✅ Show kindness to strangers that are verifiably in need around you.
✅ Visit the sick in the hospital and lend your support to them, either financially, spiritually or otherwise.
✅ Offer your support to quality and reliable NGOs and charitable organizations around you.
✅ For those in the health line, you can volunteer to offer free medical services to the vulnerable ones in the society.
✅ For those in the legal field, you can volunteer to offer free legal representation to those wrongfully detained in prisons.
SEARCHLIGHT: No level of spirituality or spiritual gifts can compensate for lack of charity among the brethren.
PRAYER: My LORD, equip me with the practical spirit to show love to everyone around me, in Jesus name.
BIBLE READING:Ezekiel 19-21, Matthew 21.
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
