The Hebrew word for charity is Tzedakah. The difference is shown and discussed in depth here, but I will quote a particular passage which captures the meaning.
"The word "charity" suggests benevolence and generosity, a magnanimous act by the wealthy and powerful for the benefit of the poor and needy. The word "tzedakah" is derived from the Hebrew root Tzadei-Dalet-Qof, meaning righteousness, justice or fairness."While I don't agree with their definition of charity, I do like the Hebrew concept that charity is derived from righteousness. Charity is something that can often be misused. "Charities" are often used as a means of public recognition or a way to get tax benefits. While these uses are still good things, and they help people, they aren't done with real intent.
We know that charity, true charity, is the pure love of Christ. For me love denotes an action of affection that comes from the heart. A pure love would then be an action done with the right intentions in the heart. This is explained so well be the Hebrew concept that charity is righteousness.
I have a lot more thoughts relating to charity. For more, see my word studies on charity, love, heart, and desire.
What ah-has and thoughts do you have about Tzedakah?
I think it's interesting how the Hebrew concept of Charity focuses on the wealthy giving to the poor. I think that the poor can and do give with their hearts, but the concept is much better illustrated when someone rich gives with their heart, perhaps because it's much rarer when that happens. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteYeah, that's really interesting. It like the scripture that talks about it being hard for a rich man to attain the celestial kingdom.
DeleteShouldn't it also be just as grand when the poor give as well? Kind of like this video:
Deletehttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ntsjg5bKsbk
I know it is a super big thing when the rich give, but I think the poor are also much more charitable, since they know what it feels like to be at the bottom. I wonder why the rich get paraded when they give, but not the poor... Hm...
I think that what we're saying is that when a rich person is as charitable as a poor person is. Not just in how much they give, but by how much of their hearts they give. It's easier for a poor man to give is heart, because it is contrite. It's much harder for a rich man to give their heart, isn't it?
DeleteThat's true, it is. I think it's a good goal to reach to have us all become poor and contrite in spirit. Because isn't that how we get to the Celestial Kingdom is through a 'broken heart and contrite spirit'? Will the literal poor and needy get there easier than the rich because they are poor and contrite?
DeleteThat's what I was thinking! I think it's kind of ridiculous that words change like they do now! How the word 'charity' just changes into "giving people money". That's not the real definition of charity!
ReplyDeleteJordan, I really enjoyed your thoughts on charity. I came across a quote by Bruce R. McConkie when I was doing my word study on charity that reminded me of what you shared with us:
ReplyDelete"It (charity) is love so centered in righteousness that the possessor has no aim or desire except for the eternal welfare of his own soul and for the souls of those around him.”
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and for taking your time to go deep into the meaning!
I think another thing is that "Where much is given, much is expected" I also believe that in a sense, when you have a lot, it might be harder to give up some things, because you are comfortable. Where as, people that don't have the same comforts, have a little less of a barrier. Maybe that's why I hear that the poor people in Africa are actually really loving...
ReplyDeleteWe are in a place of many comforts- and many distractions. We have a big responsibility to use what we are blessed with.
Thanks for your thoughts!
I just realized how many unnecessary commas I just used..oops! ;D
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