The Theological Virtue of Charity

Also known as: Love

Definition of Charity:

Enables one to love as God Himself loves, to love God above all things, and one’s neighbor as oneself

Related Saint: Saint Teresa of Calcutta
Key Points of Charity:

• It's a supernatural gift of God infused at baptism
• It's a sharing in the very love of God Himself (see 1 John 4:7–12)
• It gives spiritual freedom to respond as a child of God to His gratuitous love
• Christian life is for communion
• The proper order of love is love of God, love of self, and love of neighbor
• Charity is the form of the virtues. It motivates all man’s good actions, orders them, and raises them to supernatural perfection

A Disciple of Christ:

• Teaches the Ignorant, Counsels the Doubtful, and Admonishes the Sinner
• Bears Wrongs Patiently and Forgives Offenses
• Comforts the Sorrowful
• Prays For the Living and the Dead
• Gives Food and Drink to the Hungry and Thirsty
• Clothes the Naked and Shelters the Homeless
• Visits the Sick and/or Imprisoned
• Buries the Dead

Read more in the Educator's Guide on pages 49-56

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