What Does the Bible Say About Charity?

I'm a big fan of game shows. One of my favorite game shows is Celebrity Poker Showdown. A group of celebrities get together and play poker and the winner gets money to give to any charity they want. Giving to charity isn't just for celebrities though, we should all give to charities. Sure some of us are not as well off as celebrities but most of us have more than somebody else somewhere. Let's take a look at what the Bible says about charity.

But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind - Luke 14:13

Luke 14:13 is one of the many verses where God commands us to help charity. Charity isn't always about giving though. Charity can also be opening up your home to others, even if it's just for one meal.

Blessed is he that considerth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble. The Lord will preserve him, and keep him alive; and he shall be blessed upon the earth: and thou wilt not deliver him unto the will of his enemies. - Psalm 41:1, 2

Some people believe that when you do something good you will get good karma. Well that's sort of true but karma is handed out by God. In Psalm 41 God clearly tells us that if you give to charity good things will happen to you. God will bless you, preserve you, and protect you from your enemies.

As for the rich in the present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share. - 1 Timothy 6:17, 18

We've all figured out by now that some people are more fortunate than others, some people are richer than others. 1 Timothy 6:17 and 18 tells us that those who are fortunate enough to be rich are rich because God provided it for them. In turn, those that God have provided for should turn around and use that money for good and help others.

Like me, when someone mentions charity the first thing you probably imagine is someone with a lot of money giving to the poor. The truth is we can all give to charity because charity isn't just about money. The definition of charity is "generous actions to aid the poor." You don't have to give money if you don't have it. You can give to charity by doing anything generous for them. You can invite them over for a meal, you can help do chores, even being friends with somebody less fortunate is charitable.