7 Bible Verses About Charity
During the washing of the feet on Holy Thursday, the Church sings the hymn: "Ubi caritas et amor, Deus ibi est"—"Where charity and love are found, there God is." Christ invites us to follow His example. Charity is one of the three theological virtues, as taught in the Catechism. Like faith and hope, charity is a virtue to cultivate because it draws us closer to God. From charity flows love, and these words summarize what Jesus—who died crucified out of love for us—taught us. St. John of the Cross urges us to practice this virtue, saying, "At the end of our lives, we will be judged on love." Bible verses are precious guides for our daily lives.
Bible Verses on Charity
Growing in Love for Others
"Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord." (Leviticus 19:18)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." (John 13:34)
"Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends." (John 15:13)
"Do everything in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Serving Others in All Circumstances
"If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal." (1 Corinthians 13:1)
"Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7)
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me." (Matthew 25:35-36)
Living Love and Charity Daily
When a friend listens to us, helps us, or comforts us, we are touched by their presence and kindness. This inspires us to follow their example by reflecting on how we show love and charity to others. Meditating on these seven Bible verses calls us to go further. Charity invites us to be compassionate, to stand by our neighbors in both joy and trials. "Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn," as St. Paul writes in Romans. Charity also means forgiving even when we feel wronged—a challenge when we are hurt. "Love is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs." By striving to love others deeply, even to the point of forgiveness, we walk in the footsteps of Christ and answer our shared calling: holiness.
Deepen Your Biblical Knowledge with Hozana
On Hozana, you’ll find a prayer community to
with the Bible, offering guidance to engage with Scripture. The will introduce you to this martyr of charity and self-giving. The Community of St. Martin also invites you to , with daily meditations on this pinnacle of Christian prayer."Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:14)
Frequently Asked Questions About Charity in the Bible
What Bible passage talks about charity?
Many Bible verses speak of love and charity, but one passage that perfectly illustrates the charity we are all called to practice is the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). In this story, Jesus teaches us how to truly be a "neighbor" to others—showing mercy and acting with selfless love.
What is the biblical definition of charity?
A powerful and beautiful description of charity (or love) is found in 1 Corinthians 13, often called the "Hymn to Love" or "Hymn to Charity." These well-known verses define true love:
"Love is patient, love is kind... It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails." (1 Corinthians 13:4, 7-8).
What is the commandment of charity in the Bible?
Jesus gives us the great commandment of charity in the Gospels:
"‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" (Matthew 22:37-39).
