Christ and Charity

The Power of Charity in Relationships: A Christ-Centered Mindset

In a world that often prioritizes self-interest, Jesus calls us to a radically different way of living—one rooted in love, sacrifice, and charity. The teachings in the Bible—specifically 1 Peter 4:8, John 3:16, Matthew 6:33, and John 13:34—reveal the depth of God's love for us and show how we are called to reflect that love in our relationships with others. When we choose a mindset of giving first, we align ourselves with God’s commands and Jesus’ teachings, placing the needs of others above our own and seeking to love as He loved us.

Charity: The Heart of God's Love

In 1 Peter 4:8, the apostle Peter commands, "And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins." Charity, which here refers to deep, sacrificial love, is the heart of God’s love for us. It is through charity that we find healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation. This selfless love is not just an ideal, but something that God actively demonstrated toward us.

In John 3:16, we see the greatest expression of God's charity: "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." God, in His infinite love, gave His only Son—Jesus Christ—not because we deserved it, but because He sought to restore humanity to Himself. This act of giving is the ultimate example of charity, as God sacrificed His most precious gift for our salvation.

Seeking the Kingdom: A Focus on Others

In Matthew 6:33, Jesus teaches us where our priorities should lie: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." Seeking first the kingdom of God means focusing on what matters most to God: His righteousness, His will, and His love for others. This is not a self-centered pursuit, but one that calls us to love and serve others with the same selfless heart that God has shown us.

To seek first God's kingdom is to live in a way that reflects His love for us and for others. This doesn’t mean that our personal needs or desires are unimportant, but that our highest goal should be to live according to God’s will—seeking to love one another, just as He has loved us.

A New Command: Love as Jesus Loved

In John 13:34, Jesus gives His disciples a new commandment: "A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." Jesus doesn’t just tell us to love one another in a general sense; He calls us to love as He has loved us—sacrificially, unconditionally, and with a heart of giving. This is a radical love, a love that does not seek its own but always seeks the good of others.

Jesus’ love for us is the standard. He gave Himself for us, not because we deserved it, but because He desired to reconcile us to the Father. His love was not self-serving, but sacrificial. He showed us that true love always seeks to give and not to get. As His followers, we are called to embody that same love in our relationships, giving ourselves for the good of others, just as He gave Himself for us.

The Mindset of Giving First

Each of these scriptures—1 Peter 4:8, John 3:16, Matthew 6:33, and John 13:34—points to one central truth: love is about giving, not receiving. Jesus was the ultimate example of giving. He gave His life for us, not for His benefit, but for ours. In the same way, we are called to give ourselves for others—not for recognition or reward, but because it is God's command and it reflects the love He has shown us.

To seek first the kingdom of God is to place the needs of others before our own, just as Jesus did. It’s a call to love others without expecting anything in return. It’s a call to live with a heart of charity that mirrors God’s own heart. In doing so, we participate in God's redemptive work in the world, sharing His love with those around us.

Living Out Charity in Daily Life

Choosing to live with a mindset of charity means looking at every relationship through the lens of giving. It means asking ourselves how we can serve others, how we can show them love and kindness without seeking anything for ourselves. It means choosing to forgive when wronged, to encourage when discouraged, and to give when we could hold back. And when we fail—and we will—we look to Jesus, who loved us even when we were unlovable, and we draw strength from His example to keep loving others.

Rebekah: An Example of Charity Without Expectation

The story of Rebekah in Genesis 24:10-20 offers a powerful example of charity in action, showing how a woman, in a simple but profound act of service, exemplifies selfless love without expecting anything in return. In the biblical account, Abraham’s servant arrives at a well in search of a wife for Isaac. He prays to God for a sign: he asks that the woman who offers him water from the well and then offers to water his ten camels will be the one God has chosen for Isaac.

As the servant finishes his prayer, Rebekah appears at the well. Without hesitation, she offers him a drink of water, fulfilling the first part of the sign. However, she doesn’t stop there. She goes beyond what is expected by offering to water the servant’s camels as well. This is no small act of kindness, as camels can drink large amounts of water, and there were ten camels in total. It would have been a laborious task, yet Rebekah willingly and joyfully serves without any thought of recognition or reward.

Rebekah’s actions are a profound picture of the charity Jesus calls us to embody. She gave without looking for anything in return—no glory, no payment, no personal gain. Her willingness to serve with humility and selflessness reflects the very heart of Christ-like love. She didn’t even know who the servant was or what the outcome would be, but she simply acted out of kindness and generosity. Her actions serve as a reminder that charity is not about what we can get but what we can give. When we live this way, we position ourselves to be part of God's bigger plan, just as Rebekah became part of God's plan to bring forth the line of Israel through her marriage to Isaac.

Conclusion: Choosing the Mindset of Giving First

In conclusion, the command to love one another is not optional for those who follow Christ; it is a command that reflects the very heart of God. When we love as He has loved us, we are not just fulfilling a command; we are living out the Gospel in our relationships. By seeking first God’s kingdom and loving one another with the charity He has shown us, we become vessels of His grace, reflecting His love to a world in desperate need of it.

Let us choose the mindset of giving first, for in doing so, we not only obey God's commands but are also able to build relationships that are rooted in the love and sacrifice of Christ. Whether it’s offering a simple cup of water or laying down our lives for others, let us strive to follow the example of Rebekah and Jesus, living out charity in a world that so desperately needs it.