Charity and Its Fruits
A Lesson from Jonathan Edwards
The spirit of charity is one of humility (1 Corinthians 13:4-5) that:
Christ on earth showed humility. He became human (the worm of the dust), lived as a servant, and remained obedient unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:6-8). His behavior should kindle our love for Him; and lead to us following His examples of humble love, and our contempt for all earthly glory (Matthew 10:24-25, 20:25-28; John 13:13-16).
Carefully examine yourself (Habakkuk 2:4, James 4:6). Our original nature is arrogant, which God detests and punishes (1 Timothy 3:6; Proverbs 16:5, 6:16, 29:23; 2Samuel 22:28; Isaiah 23:9).
Earnestly strive to have a humble, gentle, and loving spirit (1 Peter 3:4). This is the spirit of Christ on earth. Such spirit of charity will lead to getting His rich promises and the crown of glory in heaven.
Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kenDI_9Tb88
- Sees God’s infinite power (Psalm 113:6), holiness (Isaiah 6:5, 57:15; Job 42:5-6; Psalm 51:17; Matthew 5:3), and loveliness (Job 15:15-16, 4:18-19; Genesis 32:10; 2 Samuel 7:18).
- Sees our natural meanness and filth, unworthy and distrustful (Romans 12:3).
- Hates our sins.
- Gives all glory to God (Psalm 115:1), willing to subject to His command and accept His sovereignty.
- Is content with our status, even if it is desperate; without envying those better than us, without greed for honor, and not seeking great things for ourselves (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Jeremiah 45:5, Romans 12:16). This includes accepting a social hierarchy, willingly to give those above us what they deserve (Romans 14:7, Titus 3:1).
- Doesn’t show off or puff up to those worse than us (1 Corinthians 13:4-5, Matthew 23:5); doesn’t assume others will respect us (Philippians 2:3 and Ephesians 3:8); doesn’t look down on others because we are all similar (Romans 12:16); and gives them the honor and respect they deserve.
- Appreciates reproval from those who have charity or are good, and confesses our faults to each other (James 5:16, Psalm 141:5).
- Isn’t stubborn regarding our private interest (2 Peter 2:10), but willing to yield (1 Corinthians 4:7, Matthew 5:40-41).
Christ on earth showed humility. He became human (the worm of the dust), lived as a servant, and remained obedient unto death on the cross (Philippians 2:6-8). His behavior should kindle our love for Him; and lead to us following His examples of humble love, and our contempt for all earthly glory (Matthew 10:24-25, 20:25-28; John 13:13-16).
Carefully examine yourself (Habakkuk 2:4, James 4:6). Our original nature is arrogant, which God detests and punishes (1 Timothy 3:6; Proverbs 16:5, 6:16, 29:23; 2Samuel 22:28; Isaiah 23:9).
Earnestly strive to have a humble, gentle, and loving spirit (1 Peter 3:4). This is the spirit of Christ on earth. Such spirit of charity will lead to getting His rich promises and the crown of glory in heaven.
Summary of a sermon by Jonathan Edwards:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kenDI_9Tb88