The definition of Charity according to the Oxford dictionary is: A disposition to judge hopefully of men and there actions and to make allowance for their short comings.
Brother John spoke to us today about the final part of 1 Corinthians 13:13, Charity. He pointed out that we often think of charity as love in action, but with the above definition it shows that charity is also an attitude- an attitude of hopeful judgment. And more than just judgment, but an allowance of others' shortcomings. Brother John pointed out that there is a difference in allowance and acceptance. In 2 Peter 1:5-7 Brother John showed the things we are to add to faith with all diligence the last being charity. And having fervent charity will cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8).
In 1 Timothy 1:5 Paul tells Timothy that the end of the commandment is charity with a pure heart. And without this all things are vain. Brother John pointed out that to have a pure heart is not a comfortable thing, just like the trying that happens with gold.
In Colossians 3:12-14 Brother John shows that because we are the elect of God, we are to put on bowels of mercies (mercies from deep in our emotions), kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering (in forbearing and forgiving one another as Christ forgave us- and remember that we did not apologize to Christ before that forgiveness was granted to us), and above all charity which is the bond of perfectness (bond of maturity)
Finally Brother John spoke from the beginning of 1 Corinthians 13:1 and all the things that charity is and is not. Again showing that without charity all of our gifts are worthless and of no profit in the kingdom.
Love (Charity) is the greatest thing this world shall ever know, it fits us for our service here and leads us nearer home, We will have closer fellowship with God when we put on charity with a pure heart here on this earth!
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