Charity, or love for all, even our enemies, is the crowning grace, the highest step, the eighth round, in the Christian ladder.
The arrangement in this enumeration of graces is by no means accidental or haphazard, but logical and sequential, each following the other in natural, necessary order. The finger of Inspiration is seen here.
6. What is said of charity in the Scriptures?
“Charity suffereth long, and is kind; ... thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” 1 Cor. 13:4-7. “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” 1 Peter 4:8. “Love covereth all sins.” Prov. 10:12.
7. What is charity called?
“And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.” Col. 3:14.
8. What is the result of cultivating these eight graces?
“For if these things be in you, and abound, they make you that ye shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ.” 2 Peter 1:8.
9. What is the condition of one who lacks these graces?
“But he that lacketh these things is blind, and cannot see afar off, and hath forgotten that he was purged from his old sins.” Verse 9.