What is charity?

Aug 04, 2025

What is charity?

Charity is an infused and supernatural virtue by which we love God for Himself and our neighbor for God.

How many commandments does the precept of charity contain?

The precept of charity contains two main commandments: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength; this is the first and greatest commandment. The second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. In these two commandments is contained the whole doctrine of the law and the prophets.

What is the distinctive characteristic of charity towards God?

The distinctive characteristic of charity towards God is the observance of the commandments. “For the love of God consists in keeping His commandments, and His commandments are not burdensome.” And Jesus Christ Himself teaches us: Whoever has received My commandments and keeps them is the one who loves Me.

What are the distinctive characteristics of charity towards the neighbor?

Charity is patient and full of goodwill; it is not envious, does not act with malice, is not puffed up, is not ambitious, does not seek its own interests, is not easily angered, does not think evil, does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth : it bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.