What is Charity?

To know what Charity is, first we must know what it is not. Too many people think of Charity as little more than the giving of money or other material possessions for some good cause. However, 1 Corinthians 13:3 states, “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.” According to this verse, you could give everything you have to help feed the poor and still not have Charity. Therefore, the simple act of giving in of itself is not Biblical Charity.



True Christian Charity specifically refers to the love that we have and show toward other men. There are numerous scripture references that speak of the importance of love in general, but the Bible speaks of Charity to point us to a specific kind of love. Charity is our love toward people that suffers long with them and that is kind (1 Corinthians 13:4); that does not behave improperly, or seek to get its own way; that is not easily provoked (1 Corinthians 13:5); that rejoices not in the iniquity of others (1 Corinthians 13:6); and that bears, believes, hopes, and endures all things (1 Corinthians 13:7).

Charity is demonstrating Love and Grace and Mercy to others, just as God has done for us. It is a sign of the true Christian Believer maturing in faith and practice.