Charity | C. S. Lewis

An episode of the Reformed Thinking podcast, hosted by Edison Wu, titled "Charity | C. S. Lewis" was published on January 24, 2026 and runs 23 minutes.

January 24, 2026 ·23m · Reformed Thinking

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Summary

Deep Dive into Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis - CharityIn his discussion on Charity, C.S. Lewis identifies it as one of the three Theological virtues, distinct from the Cardinal virtues. Although the modern definition of charity is often restricted to giving alms to the poor, Lewis clarifies that its original meaning is "Love, in the Christian sense". This type of love is not an emotion or a sentiment, but rather a state of the will. Lewis compares it to the natural love humans have for themselves, which is a steady wish for one's own good rather than a feeling of fondness.Lewis notes that while natural affection or "liking" people makes practicing Charity easier, these feelings are not virtues in themselves. He warns that natural affection can sometimes lead to unfairness toward others or even harm the beloved object, as seen when a mother spoils a child. Therefore, the path to Charity for those who lack natural warmth is to "act as if" they love their neighbor. Lewis argues that behaving as though one loves someone will eventually lead to genuine affection, whereas injuring someone one dislikes will only increase that dislike.This dynamic creates a spiritual momentum where good and evil accumulate like "compound interest," making small daily choices critically important. Lewis advises that charitable acts should be done because the neighbor is a self made by God, not to demonstrate one's own virtue or to demand gratitude. While a worldly person only treats those they like with kindness, a Christian attempts to treat everyone kindly and, as a result, finds themselves liking more people over time. Finally, Lewis applies this principle to loving God: if one lacks devout feelings, one should simply act in obedience to His will, trusting in God's relentless, unchanging love for humanity.Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologianYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainerSpotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdwhttps://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730

Episode Description

Deep Dive into Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis - Charity

In his discussion on Charity, C.S. Lewis identifies it as one of the three Theological virtues, distinct from the Cardinal virtues. Although the modern definition of charity is often restricted to giving alms to the poor, Lewis clarifies that its original meaning is "Love, in the Christian sense". This type of love is not an emotion or a sentiment, but rather a state of the will. Lewis compares it to the natural love humans have for themselves, which is a steady wish for one's own good rather than a feeling of fondness.

Lewis notes that while natural affection or "liking" people makes practicing Charity easier, these feelings are not virtues in themselves. He warns that natural affection can sometimes lead to unfairness toward others or even harm the beloved object, as seen when a mother spoils a child. Therefore, the path to Charity for those who lack natural warmth is to "act as if" they love their neighbor. Lewis argues that behaving as though one loves someone will eventually lead to genuine affection, whereas injuring someone one dislikes will only increase that dislike.

This dynamic creates a spiritual momentum where good and evil accumulate like "compound interest," making small daily choices critically important. Lewis advises that charitable acts should be done because the neighbor is a self made by God, not to demonstrate one's own virtue or to demand gratitude. While a worldly person only treats those they like with kindness, a Christian attempts to treat everyone kindly and, as a result, finds themselves liking more people over time. Finally, Lewis applies this principle to loving God: if one lacks devout feelings, one should simply act in obedience to His will, trusting in God's relentless, unchanging love for humanity.

Reformed Theologian GPT: https://chat.openai.com/g/g-XXwzX1gnv-reformed-theologian

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ReformedExplainer

Spotify Music: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1t5dz4vEgvHqUknYQfwpRI?si=e-tDRFR2Qf6By1sAcMdkdw

https://buymeacoffee.com/edi2730