Thursday, December 24, 2009
Charity
(II Peter 1:6-8)
The word “charity” conjures images of Goodwill Stores, orphanages, Gospel Missions, and Salvation Army bell ringers—especially this time of year. Modern parlance views “charity” as benevolence to the poor and downtrodden of society. Few, except for folks familiar with the Bible, understand charity’s fundamental definition: love.
Some argue that the King James word “charity” should be updated to read “love” as most modern versions do. Though love is the fundamental definition of “charity,” the word itself falls somewhat short of the full meaning ensconced in the original Greek term. The Greek term underlying “charity” is agape. It means “love,” but it means more than love. Charity, agape, is literally the “love that gives.” It is an action as well as an emotion.
Contemporary society views love primarily as an emotional impulse—usually accompanied by a strong dose of lust. In our sensual culture, “love” has a dark, sinful side. Such was not the case in the Greek language. In fact, the Greeks had a word for sensual love—eros—but it is never used in the New Testament. The word agape describes a love that gives; not a love that takes. That’s a significant difference.
Since agape is the “love that gives,” it only makes sense to occasionally translate it “charity.” After all, everyone acknowledges giving is an essential part of charity. And that’s exactly what Peter expects us to add to our faith: love that gives, sacrificing for others as God gave and sacrificed for us. Now that’s something to remember this Christmas Eve!
