When most people think of charity, they imagine giving food, clothes, or money to someone in
need. But charity is much deeper than that. In the Christian life, charity means love in action—a
love that never ends and can grow in amazing ways. Your gift to a Christian mission or act of
kindness can produce results that last forever and multiply beyond what you may expect.

Charity in the Bible

The Bible teaches us that charity is the greatest kind of love. In 1 Corinthians 13:13, it says,
“And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.” Charity
is God’s love expressed through us. Jesus reminds us in Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give
than to receive.” When we give with love, God blesses us and those who receive.
Jesus promises in Luke 6:38, “Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed
down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.” This means our
gifts can be multiplied by God beyond measure.

How Charity Multiplies

Charity doesn’t just help one person; it can grow exponentially. Like ripples in a pond, one act
of kindness can spread to many people. Proverbs 19:17 says, “He that hath pity upon the poor
lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” This verse
reminds us that our gifts don’t go unnoticed or unused—they are investments in God’s
kingdom.

The Boy’s Lunch That Fed Thousands

One of the most famous stories about charity in the Bible is about a small boy who gave his
lunch to Jesus. In John 6:9–13, the boy had five loaves and two fishes—far too little to feed
thousands. But Jesus blessed it, and the food fed over five thousand people with leftovers left.
This shows that even the smallest gift, given in faith, can become a miracle when God
multiplies it.

Christian Missions: Charity That Grows

Christian missions show how charity can grow and multiply. Missionaries start by helping a few
people, but their work can change entire communities and countries. William Carey, the “father
of modern missions,” went to India and helped translate the Bible and start schools. His work
inspired many others, and millions have been touched because one man gave his life to serve.
Revelation 2:19 says, “I know thy works, and charity, and service, and faith, and thy patience,
and thy works; and the last to be more than the first.” This means charity in missions continues
and grows through time.

The Parable of the Talents: Multiply Your Gifts

Jesus told the Parable of the Talents in Matthew 25:14–27. A master gave servants money to
use, and those who multiplied what they were given were praised. This teaches us that God
wants us to use our gifts—whether time, money, or skills—to serve others. When we do, those
gifts grow and bless many.

Charity Lasts Forever

Galatians 6:9 says, “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if
we faint not.” Charity plants seeds of love and hope that grow even if we don’t see the fruit
right away.

1 Corinthians 13:4–7 tells us, “Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity
vaunteth not itself… Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all
things.” Charity never fails and never stops.

Real-Life Examples of Charity

George Müller cared for thousands of orphans in England by trusting God to provide. His work
inspired others to care for children, and his legacy still lives on.
Anne Sullivan’s patient teaching of Helen Keller, who was deaf and blind, multiplied into an
inspiration for millions. These stories show charity’s power to multiply beyond what people
expect.

Charity’s Ripple Effect

Science calls this the “ripple effect”—one kind act leads to many others. The Bible supports
this. 1 Corinthians 8:1 says, “Charity edifieth,” meaning charity builds up and spreads.

Treasures in Heaven

Jesus cautioned in Matthew 6:19–20, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth…but lay
up for yourselves treasures in heaven.” Our gifts, done in love, store up eternal rewards.

Planting Seeds of Kindness

Giving is like planting seeds. Proverbs 21:13 warns, “Whoso stoppeth his ears at the cry of the
poor, he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard.” But when we give, God blesses the
seed and causes it to grow.

Your Part in the Chain

Everyone can be part of this great chain of goodness. Whether you support missions, serve
your neighbor, or pray for others, your charity will multiply.
1 Corinthians 16:14 says, “Let all your things be done with charity.” When we live with love,
charity spreads from heart to heart—forever.

Charity Is Eternal. Eternal is Forever.

Finally, 1 Peter 4:8 reminds us, “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves:
for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” Charity is a forever gift from God through people
like you.

When you give in faith and love, you join God’s work that never ends. Your gift can multiply
exponentially, changing lives now and for eternity.