Liberality(donations, generosity)
Summary
Generous giving, especially to those in need, commended throughout Scripture as reflecting God's own generous nature.
☩Old Testament Teaching
The Law commanded open-handed generosity: 'Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy' (Deuteronomy 15:11). Provisions for gleaning allowed the poor to harvest from corners of fields (Leviticus 19:9-10). Tithes supported the Levites and periodic feasts included the poor and strangers. Proverbs connects generosity with blessing: 'The liberal soul shall be made fat' (Proverbs 11:25).
☩New Testament Practice
Jesus taught, 'Give, and it shall be given unto you' (Luke 6:38). The early church practiced radical generosity, selling possessions to meet needs (Acts 2:44-45; 4:34-35). Paul urged the Corinthians toward liberal giving for the Jerusalem saints, commending the Macedonians who gave 'beyond their power' despite 'deep poverty' (2 Corinthians 8:1-5). God loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:7), and generosity brings thanksgiving to God (2 Corinthians 9:11-12).
Related Verses136 mentions
See Also
References
- 1.John McClintock and James Strong, "Liberality," in Cyclopedia of Biblical, Theological and Ecclesiastical Literature, vol. V (Harper & Brothers, 1867–1887).
- 2.James Orr (ed.), "Liberality," in International Standard Bible Encyclopedia, vol. III (Howard-Severance Company, 1915).