I’ve been pondering on that this week. ⁣⁣

I think most of us can recite that “charity is the pure love of Christ”.⁣⁣

But then I hope I’m not alone in often picturing charity as an action.

Reaching out. Making a call. Pulling weeds. Making beds. Being a listening ear. ⁣

(Which are all amazing actions to take, of course!)⁣

But I think it’s important to remember that charity is actually just a feeling. ⁣

In fact, according to the Bible Dictionary, charity is “the highest, noblest, strongest kind of love”. ⁣

In the scriptures, the word “charity” is never even used to refer to good deeds. ⁣

Instead, it is an emotion we feel inside of ourselves. ⁣

It can totally be the motivating factor for us to then reach out and perform acts of service for other people! ⁣

But charity is love. ⁣

Feeling love NEVER fails US. ⁣

I clarify “US” because our acts of service can certainly fail other people. ⁣

I may think I’m being a fantastic ministering sister, while someone complains that I don’t fulfill my assignment very well. ⁣

I may think I’m being a helpful volunteer, while someone thinks that I’m wasting my time. ⁣

I may think I’m being thoughtful, while someone thinks I’m being overbearing. ⁣

I can’t control how the pure love that I feel in my heart is then perceived by other people.

(Of course, tact and sensitivity are always qualities I strive for, too! But at the end of the day, I can only do my best.)⁣

But the Godly love that I try to cultivate can change me.

It can save me. ⁣

What a timely message, right?!⁣

The more love we feel for other people, the more Christlike we become. Because He loves everyone, too. ⁣

Everything else will fail in the end. ⁣

But feeling a deep love, a love that is kind, patient, and humble… THAT will sustain us through everything.

Happy Studying!

-Cali Black

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