Charity by T. L. Waugh

Pacific Seventh-day Adventist Publishing Association · Oakland, California · Mar 13, 1879

Charity.

By T. L. Waugh

"And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity."—1 Cor. 13:13.

This term was employed in the apostles' time with a different signification, somewhat, than at present. It is from the Greek agapee, which is love. I merely mention this that some may have an accurate idea of the early usage of the word, which we use to express a different meaning. Love, then, is the mainspring of action with the Christian, and incites him to activity for his Lord and Master. It also binds the hearts of Christians together without which but little can be accomplished. When the heart is filled with this divine element, it naturally flows out toward others and delights to labor for Jesus. It is this of which the apostle speaks, which is the fulfilling of the law. Charity or love, unites; while the opposite divides and distracts the flock of God.

How precious is this love which is shed abroad in the heart, and makes us love not only the saint, but the poor sinner and wanderer. It sweetens the cup of affliction; brightens the pathway before us, which leads to the land of rest. Praise God for his wondrous love to mankind, and for Jesus, who so loved us that he died that we might obtain life. Let us love one another and God supremely.—T. L. Waugh.