During His ministry, Jesus lived a life that exuded pure love for others. He selflessly did whatever was in His power in order to bless and help those around Him. More than simply giving love, Jesus lived a life of charity.
Charity is known as the highest and purest form of love. It is more enduring than superficial or worldly love. Charity is the love of Jesus Christ. When we focus on developing charity, it is a powerful force for good.
Jesus taught in Matthew chapter 6 about having pure intentions when giving or serving others.
“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise, you have no reward from your Father in heaven.” Matthew 6:1
If we are trying to be charitable only to be seen or rewarded by the praises of the world, we will not receive any heavenly blessing or reward from God. This comes down to our intentions - when they are not pure and focused on helping for the right reasons, it is more selfish in nature than charitable. Our words and actions must match the intentions of our hearts.
More than teaching through words, Jesus showed us how to live a charitable life through the way He interacted with people. Jesus healed, helped, and blessed any person who came seeking His help with faith in Him.
One memorable example can be seen in the love Jesus had for His disciples. While He was their Master and they followed Him, He made it known that He loved them and was their equal by serving them and washing their feet.
“So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you [b]know what I have done to you? 13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” Matthew 13:12-18
To develop true charity, we must humble ourselves and remember that we are all equal in the eyes of God. There is not one person who is better than another, we are each important and unique individuals with specific talents, goals, and feelings.
As we serve those around us with pure intentions and love in our hearts for them and for God, we will be blessed for our efforts. We will come to know Jesus and be better examples of charity, or of His pure love, to all the world.