Charity: What did Jesus say about Charity

Jesus spoke often about charity, emphasizing its importance in various passages throughout the Gospels. Here are some relevant Bible verses that highlight His teachings on charity:

1. Matthew 25:35-40 (ESV): “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me. Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.'”
2. Luke 12:33-34 (ESV): “Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
3. Matthew 6:1-4 (ESV): “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.”

Three Main Takeaways:

1. Charity is an Act of Love and Worship: Jesus teaches that acts of charity, such as feeding the hungry, clothing the naked, and visiting the sick, are not just acts of kindness toward others but are also acts of love and worship toward Him. When we serve “the least of these,” we are serving Christ Himself.
2. Charity Reflects Where Our Heart Truly Lies: The call to sell possessions and give to the needy emphasizes that our attachment should not be to material wealth but to God and His kingdom. Our actions of charity reveal where our true treasure lies—reflecting our heart’s allegiance either to earthly possessions or to eternal values.
3. The Importance of Humility in Charity: Jesus warns against practicing charity simply to gain approval or recognition from others. True charity should be conducted in humility, focusing not on self-glorification but on genuine compassion and support for those in need. Our charitable acts should be done quietly and without fanfare, seeking approval from God, not humans.