Charity is the theological virtue by which one loves God above all things for His own sake and loves one’s neighbor as oneself for the love of God (CCC 1822). This virtue is infused by God into the souls of the faithful, enabling them to act as His children and merit eternal life (CCC 1813).

The scriptural basis for this virtue is found in the new commandment given by Jesus, who loved His disciples to the end and commanded them to love one another in that same manner (CCC 1823). Consequently, charity represents the fullness of the Law and is expressed through the keeping of the commandments of God and His Christ (CCC 1824).

In terms of theological significance, charity serves as the form of all virtues, animating and inspiring their practice while acting as both the source and the goal of the Christian life (CCC 1828). It upholds and purifies human love, elevating it to a supernatural perfection in divine love (CCC 1828). Furthermore, charity orders the gift of self within the virtue of chastity (CCC 2346) and, alongside faith and hope, disposes the Christian to live in a relationship with the Holy Trinity (CCC 1812, 1841).

The exercise of charity is deeply connected to the Holy Spirit, who is the interior Master of life and prompts believers to act with charity in action (CCC 1697). The love of God is shed abroad in the hearts of believers by the Holy Spirit (Romans 5:5), and charity is recognized as one of the fruits of the Spirit (CCC 1832).

The implications for Christian practice are seen in the fruits of charity, which include friendship, mercy, peace, joy, beneficence, and fraternal correction (1 John 4:19). The necessity of this virtue is highlighted by the struggles of the community in Corinth, where some members erroneously prioritized spiritual charisms over works of charity (1 Cor 13:1-2).

Finally, charity is integral to the spiritual life and liturgy, as prayer is an expression of adoration accomplished through acts of charity, faith, and hope (CCC 2098). The will of God, as revealed in Christ, is summarized in the commandment to love one another as He has loved us, reflecting the divine desire that all men be saved and come to the knowledge of the truth (CCC 2822).