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Charity by William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Charity is held to be the ultimate perfection of the human spirit because it both glorifies and reflects the nature of God. Confusion can arise from the multiple meanings of the English word "love". As with other theological virtues, charity is divinely infused into the soul; it resides in the will. [7]
The word charity originated in late Old English to mean a "Christian love for one's fellows", [1] and until at least the beginning of the 20th century, this meaning remained synonymous with charity. [2]
It discusses charity, dedicating Chapter 23 of Book 1 on Virtues to it. [23] Tirukkuṛaḷ suggests charity is necessary for a virtuous life and happiness. In it, Thiruvalluvar states in Chapter 23: "Giving to the poor is true charity, all other giving expects some return"; "Great, indeed, is the power to endure hunger. Greater still is the ...
The word agape received a broader usage under later Christian writers as the word that specifically denoted Christian love or charity (1 Corinthians 13:1–8), or even God himself. The expression "God is love" (ὁ θεὸς ἀγάπη ἐστίν) occurs twice in the New Testament: 1 John 4:8;16.
The verb form of the word "agape" goes as far back as Homer. In a Christian context, agape means "love: esp. unconditional love, charity; the love of God for person and of person for God". [3] Agape is also used to refer to a love feast. [4] The christian priest and philosopher Thomas Aquinas describe agape as "to will the good of another". [5]
In Jewish theology it is likewise used of God's love for the Children of Israel, and in Jewish ethics it is used for love or charity between people. [1] Chesed in this latter sense of 'charity' is considered a virtue on its own, and also for its contribution to tikkun olam (repairing the world). It is also considered the foundation of many ...
This concept of "charity" differs from the modern Western understanding of "charity". The latter is typically understood as a spontaneous act of goodwill and a marker of generosity; tzedakah is an ethical obligation, and it is not properly "charity", like in Christendom , but a way to empower poor people to support themselves, helping them in ...
Although this word can be translated as 'voluntary charity', it has a wider meaning, as illustrated in the hadiths: The Messenger of Allah said: "Every good is charity. Indeed among the good is to meet your brother with a smiling face, and to pour what is left in your bucket into the vessel of your brother."