Are you a 'Liberal'?

"Liberal"

Is it a good or bad concept? So often, from being used in opposition to ‘conservative’, the term can be stereotyped as solely negative and thus to be avoided as a Christian. However, the Biblical definition needs to be re-studied as opposed to the modern-day English definition. Thereby, we can have the proper understanding and appreciation of it as God has declared in His Word.

Two words for consideration/study will be suggested: ‘liberal’ and ‘liberality’

LIBERAL

Passages: Prov. 11:25; Isa. 32:5, 8; 2 Cor. 9:13

1) Prov. 11:25 – The LIBERAL soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself. – KJV

The word here is: Bĕrakah – (noun)

Strong’s definitions:

1) blessing

2) (source of) blessing

3) blessing, prosperity

4) blessing, praise of God

5) a gift, present

6) treaty of peace

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "Whoever ‘brings blessing’ will be enriched, and ‘one who waters’ will himself be watered." [ESV]

2) Isa. 32:5 – The vile person shall be no more called LIBERAL , nor the churl said [to be] bountiful. – KJV

The word here is: Nadiyb – (adjective)

Strong’s definitions:

1) inclined, willing, noble, generous

a) incited, inclined, willing

b) noble, princely (in rank)

c) noble (in mind and character)

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "The fool will no more be called ‘noble’, nor the scoundrel said to be ‘honorable’." [ESV]

Again, in:

Isa. 32:8 – But the LIBERAL deviseth LIBERAL things; and by LIBERAL things shall he stand. – KJV

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "But he who is ‘noble’ plans ‘noble’ things, and on ‘noble’; things he stands." [ESV]

3) 2 Cor. 9:13 – Whiles by the experiment of this ministration they glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for [your] LIBERAL distribution unto them, and unto all [men]; – KJV

The word here is: Haplotēs (noun)

Strong’s definitions:

1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty

a) the virtue of one who is free from pretence and hypocrisy

2) not self seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself by generousity

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "By their approval of this service, they will glorify God because of your submission that comes from your confession of the gospel of Christ, and the ‘generosity’ of your contribution for them and for all others..." [ESV]

W. E. Vine’s definitions of Liberal, Liberality, Liberally:

Denotes –

(a) "simplicity, sincerity, unaffectedness" (from haplous, "single, simple," in contrast to diplous, "double"), Rom. 12:8, "simplicity;" 2 Cor. 11:3 (in some mss. in 2 Cor. 1:12); Eph. 6:5; Col. 3:22, singleness;"

(b) "simplicity as manifested in generous giving," "liberality," 2 Cor. 8:2;9:11 (AV, "bountifulness," RV marg., "singleness"); 9:13 (AV, "liberal").

{These terms reflect the focus on, and the dedication to the gospel, as well as the love for other brethren that a Christian has; which, in turn, is shown by generous giving}

LIBERALITY

1) 1 Cor. 16:3 – And when I come, whomsoever ye shall approve by [your] letters, them will I send to bring your LIBERALITY unto Jerusalem. – KJV

The word here is: Charis – (noun)

Strong’s definitions:

1) grace

a) that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness: grace of speech

2) good will, loving-kindness, favour

a) of the merciful kindness by which God, exerting his holy influence upon souls, turns them to Christ, keeps, strengthens, increases them in Christian faith, knowledge, affection, and kindles them to the exercise of the Christian virtues

3) what is due to grace

a) the spiritual condition of one governed by the power of divine grace

b) the token or proof of grace, benefit

1) a gift of grace

2) benefit, bounty

4) thanks, (for benefits, services, favours), recompense, reward

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "And when I arrive, I will send those whom you accredit by letter to carry your ‘gift’ to Jerusalem." [ESV]

2) 2 Cor. 8:2 – How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. – KJV

The word here is: Haplotēs – (noun)

Strong’s definitions:

1) singleness, simplicity, sincerity, mental honesty

a) the virtue of one who is free from pretense and hypocrisy

2) not self seeking, openness of heart manifesting itself by generosity

Compare another version for a clearer meaning: "for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of ‘generosity’ on their part." [ESV]

CONCLUSION:

Do the words of the hymn: “Jesus is all the world to me, my life, my joy, my all” really reflect the truth of your life?

~ Is the kingdom of God a hidden treasure that needs discovered by others?

~ How much are you willing to sacrifice so that others can discover it?

~ Does the preaching of the gospel REALLY mean that much to you?

Only if you are liberal...  


copyright 2012
rdb