Charity

"If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,
Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.
Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others."
Philippians 2:1-4

"Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."
Galatians 6:2

"And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God, and the Father by Him."
Colossians 3:17

These are only a few of the verses that display charity in action, and for HIS glory, not our own.

CHARITY, n.

1. In a general sense, love, benevolence, good will; that disposition of heart which inclines men to think favorably of their fellow men to think favorably of their fellow men, and to do them good. In a theological sense, it includes supreme love to God, and universal good will to men.

In a selfish world of greed and flesh, we are called up out of that, to a calling of service. We are to serve one another. Each esteeming others better than ourselves. From our very own household, our families, and even complete strangers, even when they "don't deserve it" due to past hurts or actions, we are still called to service. Not for our own satisfaction or fulfillment, Lord knows that the Spirit indeed offends the flesh, but so that, as ambassadors of Christ, HIS work and word will be evident in our lives.

"Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye."
Colossians 3:13

"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you."
Ephesians 4:32

Every idle word and work is a direct reflection on Christ. The world may shun and reject us, even mock us, but they continuously watch us that they may be quick to pounce when we stumble. By very character, "they say, Come with us, let us lay wait for blood, let us lurk privily for the innocent without cause:" (Prov 1:11) It is up to us to stay in the Word, stick close to God, and measure all things by the Word. Sometimes forgiveness is not easy, not at all, but it is a must, even if they don't deserve it. I struggled with forgiving a certain family member most of my life, and that harbored unforgiveness took root and brought forth fruits of bitterness, distrust, and resentment in my life that I am still dealing with.

We have to seek the mind of Christ, who even at the nails of the cross prayed "Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34) Sinners, those without Christ, don't know what they are doing. The Spirit brings conviction, and without the Spirit there is no conviction for things that are sinful. Yes, there can be morals apart from the Spirit, but not conviction. Even the saints stumble, and are prone to backslide, which is why 1 Corinthians speaks SO much on charity, and edification. Fellowship is needed, the RIGHT kind of fellowship, in order to edify fellow believers and encourage them in the ways of Christ. DAILY meditation on the Word of Christ is a MUST for any Christian, as is death to self. If we are to contend with this world, we need the Whole Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10-18; Note, the Sword is not ours to wield, it belongs expressly to the Spirit, which is found with the helmet of Salvation in the Word of God) and we need as much spiritual backup as we can get. That backup is found in a close relationship with Christ, which is cultivated by seeking His guidance in the Word and by prayer.

But in all things, charity. Someone could have the Truth of the Lord and be anointed to preach, could produce all good works and be on FIRE for Christ, yet without charity, it all profits nothing. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. Let us all seek FIRST the Lord and the furtherance of His Kingdom in our actions and words, and then seek to esteem others before ourselves. We are free, yet free to be servants of Christ. We are called to love, yet called to love not as the world loves, but as Christ loves.

"Rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father; and the younger men as brethren; The elder women as mothers; the younger as sisters, with all purity." 1 Timothy 5:1-2

"A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger." Proverbs 15:1