The first chapter of Edward's work, Charity and its fruits: Christian love manifested in the heart and life, Christian charity is explained to be the divine love that God places in the hearts of believers through the Holy Spirit.
He explains, charity is far more than kindness or generosity; it is genuine love for God and for others, and it is the defining mark of true Christianity. He continues on to teach that even the greatest spiritual gifts, remarkable faith, or extraordinary sacrifices are worthless if they are not motivated by love (1 Corinthians 13:1–3). Because this love comes from God alone (Romans 5:5; 1 John 4:7), it is the evidence of a regenerated heart and unites love for God with love for one's neighbor. Furthermore, love is the fulfillment of God's law, producing every true virtue and act of obedience (Romans 13:10; Matthew 22:37–40; Galatians 5:6). Thus, Christian charity is both the source and the supreme expression of genuine faith, making it the foundation of all Christian life and morality.
In each lesson we will present main ideas in order to make them applicable for everyday life.
The Lesson
1. The Meaning of Christian Charity
Charity in Scripture means divine love—love toward God and others—not merely kindness or giving.
Main Idea:
True Christianity is defined by love, not outward actions or good intentions alone.
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1 Corinthians 13:1–3 — Without love, we are nothing
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1 Corinthians 8:1 — “Charity edifieth”
Theological Principle:
Christian love (agape) is the essence of true religion, flowing from God’s nature into the believer’s heart.
2. Charity is Greater Than All Gifts and Works
Doctrine: No spiritual gift, privilege, or sacrifice has value without love.
Key Idea:
Even the greatest acts—like prophecy, faith, or sacrifice—are empty if not motivated by love.
Supporting Scriptures:
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1 Corinthians 13:3 — Sacrifice without love profits nothing
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1 Corinthians 13:2 — Faith without love is nothing
Theological Principle:
External religion without inward love is worthless, because God values the heart, not just actions.
3. The Nature of True Christian Love
All true Christian love comes from one source—the Holy Spirit—and is expressed toward both God and people.
Main Idea:
Love to God and love to others come from the same transformed heart.
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Romans 5:5 — Love is poured into our hearts by the Spirit
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1 John 4:7 — Love is of God
Theological Principle:
Regeneration produces one unified love, flowing toward God and neighbor as evidence of new life.
4. Love is the Sum of All True Virtue
All true obedience and virtue are fulfilled in love.
Main Idea:
Love naturally produces all good actions and fulfills all God’s commandments.
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Romans 13:10 — “Love is the fulfilling of the law”
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Matthew 22:37–40 — Love God and neighbor summarizes all
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Galatians 5:6 — “Faith works by love”
Theological Principle:
Love is the foundation and fulfillment of the law, making it the root and evidence of all true Christian morality.
How to apply this lesson
Self-examination reveals the condition of the heart, while spiritual application directs the believer toward Christlike growth. True Christian charity begins inwardly, transforms our motives, and is demonstrated outwardly through loving obedience to God and sacrificial love for others. Here are some resources that help you apply this lesson today.
Self-Examination Questionnaire:
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Do I serve God and others out of genuine love or duty alone?
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Are my “good works” motivated by a sincere heart or by appearance?
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Do I truly love both God and people, or only act as if I do?
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Is love the driving force behind my faith and daily actions?
Spiritual Application:
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Seek a heart of love — ask God to transform your inner motives, not just your actions.
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Examine your works — ensure your service comes from love, not pride or obligation.
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Practice love daily — show love to God through worship and to others through care.
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Grow in love intentionally — pursue patience, kindness, and humility as expressions of it.
Quote from Edwards
"That all the virtue that is saving, and that distinguishes TRUE Christians from others, is summed up IN Christian love. This appears from the words of the text, because so many other things are mentioned that natural men may have, and the things mentioned are of the highest kind it is possible they should have, both of privilege and performance, and yet it is said they all avail nothing without this ; whereas, if any of them were saving, they would avail something without it."
Jonathan Edwards, Charity and Its Fruits: Christian Love as Manifested in the Heart and Life (New York: Anson D. F. Randolph & Company, 1852), 3.
connections
God pours His love into the believer's heart
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Christian Charity becomes the defining mark of faith
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Love gives value to every spiritual gift and good work
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The Holy Spirit produces love for God and neighbor
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Love fulfills the Law and produces every Christian virtue