Charity in Words, in Actions, and in Truth​

What does charity mean to you? At these times of adversity, people’s charity has been tested in many ways but this virtue has a deeper meaning than our common understanding that it is to provide help or raise funds for those who are in need. The scriptures tell us, “Little children, let us not love in word only, neither with the tongue only, but in deed and truth.” This verse did not say that we should not love in words or in tongues, but it tells us that when we love, it must be in words or in tongues, in deeds, and in truth.
 
Charity in Words or in Tongues
Charity should also be found in our words or tongues. It is contradictory to show your love to people but curse them or tell them words that are not pleasing before God. As it has been said, “out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks.” If we speak harshly, negatively, and wickedly to other people, these reflect the contents of our hearts. If we do this, charity is not complete within us. That is why the Scriptures tell us to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.  We should always be reminded that, “It is not what goes into the mouth that defiles a person, but what comes out of the mouth; this defiles a person.” 
 
Charity in Actions
Like what the Scripture emphasized, do not love with empty words because words without action are futile - nothing and have no effect. If we then say we love people, then it must follow that our actions show that we do. We cannot say, “I love you,” and then hurt the people intentionally, plan wickedly against them, or even think of their downfall. We cannot say we love the people, then just look at them suffering while we have the means to help them. This action is not in line with what the Scripture said, “Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is within your power to help them.”  As a leader, do not withhold the growth of your subordinates if it is within your power to develop and nourish them. As an employer, do not withhold the benefits nor hinder the welfare of the employees if they deserve it and it is within your power to do so. As parents in the family, do not withhold your genuine love to your children if you can abundantly show them and let them feel it.
 
Charity in Truth
In truth, charity is the highest form of love and this is exemplified by God’s love for us. Agape love or unconditional love is the kind of love that this patient, kind, does not envy, does not boast, and that is not proud. It is not rude, not self-seeking, not easily angered, and keeps no record of wrongs. It does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, trusts, hopes, and perseveres. This kind of love can be seen when people willingly give without expecting anything in return – not fame, nor accolades of people, not even acknowledgment because it is their delight to give it freely as they have received freely.
 
Charity in Words, in Actions, and in Truth
Charity in words, in actions, and in truth is that genuine love the people around really need. Like Jesus Christ, he did not seek his own fame or glory when he gave his life for the redemption of mankind. His sacrifice is the manifestation of his agape love for the people that they may find true life and life more abundantly; that they may be set free from the captivity of sin, hurts, and unforgiveness; that they may be healed from any infirmity; and that they may see the light, and go back to the perfect pleasing and good will of God.
 
Today, let us reflect if our charity to others is charity in words, in actions, and in truth – charity that is genuine, selfless, and glory-giving to our God and King. Let us turn back from our wicked ways, and resolve to be better, even in the aspect of charity. (CGLG, CRFV)