1 Corinthians 13:1-3 Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing. And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.

Yesterday I left you with a question. That question is answered here in 1 Corinthians 13. What does the requirements of covenant faith have to do with charity? Charity here in the Greek is agape or love feast, literally an endless supply of love. Given that all the other types of love are limited, selfish and conditional, this agape love, one obtained through this faith covenant, is supplied by God Himself.

As this is a comparative between those words in Deuteronomy 15 about lending and forgiveness, it is time to connect the issues between lending and charitable giving. Let us point out the obvious difference first.

Lending has an expectation of receiving back what has been lent. Agape does not. 1 Corinthians 13:5

Forgiveness is only shown to those in covenant relationship. Agape forgives everyone. 1 Corinthians 13:7

Covenant lending does not protect anyone from sinning. Agape does. 1 Corinthians 13:6

Covenant lending does not address salvation. Agape does. 1 Corinthians 13:12

1 Timothy 1:5 Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned:

Read “end of commandment” to mean the goal, a finished product, a level of conversion which is likened to the character and qualities of Christ Himself. Being transformed and conformed is not instant but rather takes a lifetime of living by faith. In this God is gracious and merciful to keep us and protect us throughout the process. Things that were not given to covenant lenders.