The Theological Virtue of Charity

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

O My God, I love You above all things with my whole heart and soul because You are all good and worthy of all my love. I love my neighbor as myself for the love of You. I forgive all who have injured me and ask pardon of all whom I have injured. Amen.

• 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

• 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