When you hear the word "charity" what comes to mind? An organization? A kind deed? A girl's name? ;)
Dictionary.com gives many definitions for the word charity, however, the origin is derived from Late Latin caritas meaning "generous love", from Latin carus "dear, beloved".
In the bible charity is often times interchangeable with the word "love." And since yesterday was Valentine's day, I thought it was a great opportunity to talk about what God has been teaching me the past two months about love.
The English word "love" is quite complex. The Greek language, though, uses four different words to describe the various types of love. One of those is the word agape. Agape is a type of love that is known to be higher than any other form of love. It is a "God kind" of love; self-less, giving, and devoted. It says, "I love you because I choose/commit to!" The Greek word used for charity is - agape.
Why is it that charity is more often used to speak of benevolence than love? Shouldn't it be both?
God has been working a charity type of love deep into my heart and soul. The more He teaches me about this kind of love, the more I long to express it! Matthew 10:8 says some very important stuff that Jesus told His followers, and I won't get into it all right now. But the last part of that verse says this, "freely you have received, freely give." I want to freely GIVE MORE because I LOVE MORE!
Now, everyone has their reasons for either liking or disliking Valentine's day. I, personally, have always enjoyed this holiday. To me it's a great reason to love more extravagantly than you normally do! Should you do that more frequently than once a year? Of course! But, why not utilize this day set aside to focus on the ones you love?! Practice charity!
We have started a tradition the past few years of having a family Valentine's dinner. We usually all go out somewhere together, and just spend time enjoying each other! My husband and I still exchange Valentines, but we make a point to be our children's Valentines. I don't ever want them to feel like they have to have a "significant other" in order to have a Valentine, or feel loved on this day! Also, it's a great way for them to learn how to love with charity! We like to teach our children that you can't just always receive love, you have to give it! So they made cards for us too, and they gave teddy bears to two of their cousins. :)
So often people get caught up in the commercialization/romance of the holiday. They expect a date night with their significant other, and they expect to receive a gift. Why does it have to be all about us? Or why do we make it special just for grown ups? I love that my children are a part of this day with us! They are learning what true love looks like!
Dictionary.com gives many definitions for the word charity, however, the origin is derived from Late Latin caritas meaning "generous love", from Latin carus "dear, beloved".
In the bible charity is often times interchangeable with the word "love." And since yesterday was Valentine's day, I thought it was a great opportunity to talk about what God has been teaching me the past two months about love.
The English word "love" is quite complex. The Greek language, though, uses four different words to describe the various types of love. One of those is the word agape. Agape is a type of love that is known to be higher than any other form of love. It is a "God kind" of love; self-less, giving, and devoted. It says, "I love you because I choose/commit to!" The Greek word used for charity is - agape.
Why is it that charity is more often used to speak of benevolence than love? Shouldn't it be both?
God has been working a charity type of love deep into my heart and soul. The more He teaches me about this kind of love, the more I long to express it! Matthew 10:8 says some very important stuff that Jesus told His followers, and I won't get into it all right now. But the last part of that verse says this, "freely you have received, freely give." I want to freely GIVE MORE because I LOVE MORE!
Now, everyone has their reasons for either liking or disliking Valentine's day. I, personally, have always enjoyed this holiday. To me it's a great reason to love more extravagantly than you normally do! Should you do that more frequently than once a year? Of course! But, why not utilize this day set aside to focus on the ones you love?! Practice charity!
We have started a tradition the past few years of having a family Valentine's dinner. We usually all go out somewhere together, and just spend time enjoying each other! My husband and I still exchange Valentines, but we make a point to be our children's Valentines. I don't ever want them to feel like they have to have a "significant other" in order to have a Valentine, or feel loved on this day! Also, it's a great way for them to learn how to love with charity! We like to teach our children that you can't just always receive love, you have to give it! So they made cards for us too, and they gave teddy bears to two of their cousins. :)
So often people get caught up in the commercialization/romance of the holiday. They expect a date night with their significant other, and they expect to receive a gift. Why does it have to be all about us? Or why do we make it special just for grown ups? I love that my children are a part of this day with us! They are learning what true love looks like!
Here are a few snapshots of our family's Valentine's day
All of the cards we gave each other, and some pretty roses Jeremy got me. :)
Me with my Valentine, Gideon...and Jeremy with his Valentine, Selah.
I actually didn't even think about taking pictures until after dinner was over, and we were all headed to our cars! At the very last minute, my sweet sister took this pic of us. Can you see the car behind us? haha..
When we were home and getting ready for bed, we decided that some ice cream would be a perfect ending to this beautiful day. :) So we loaded everyone in the car at 10:30ish and set out to Wally-world.
Selah didn't last...it was past her bedtime!
But Gideon sure enjoyed himself!
How was your Valentine's day? Do you have a special way you like to celebrate this day?
Or do you have any thoughts on charity?? I'd LOVE to know!
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