TENTH ARTICLE [I-II, Q. 100, Art. 10]

Whether the Mode of Charity Falls Under the Precept of the Divine Law?

Objection 1:  It would seem that the mode of charity falls under the precept of the Divine law.  For it is written (Matt. 19:17):  “If thou wilt enter into life, keep the commandments”:  whence it seems to follow that the observance of the commandments suffices for entrance into life.  But good works do not suffice for entrance into life, except they be done from charity:  for it is written (1 Cor. 13:3):  “If I should distribute all my goods to feed the poor, and if I should deliver my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”  Therefore the mode of charity is included in the commandment.

Obj. 2:  Further, the mode of charity consists properly speaking in doing all things for God.  But this falls under the precept; for the Apostle says (1 Cor. 10:31):  “Do all to the glory of God.”  Therefore the mode of charity falls under the precept.

Obj. 3:  Further, if the mode of charity does not fall under the precept, it follows that one can fulfil the precepts of the law without having charity.  Now what can be done without charity can be done without grace, which is always united to charity.  Therefore one can fulfil the precepts of the law without grace.  But this is the error of Pelagius, as Augustine declares (De Haeres. lxxxviii).  Therefore the mode of charity is included in the commandment.

On the contrary, Whoever breaks a commandment sins mortally.  If therefore the mode of charity falls under the precept, it follows that whoever acts otherwise than from charity sins mortally.  But whoever has not charity, acts otherwise than from charity.  Therefore it follows that whoever has not charity, sins mortally in whatever he does, however good this may be in itself:  which is absurd.

I answer that, Opinions have been contrary on this question.  For some have said absolutely that the mode of charity comes under the precept; and yet that it is possible for one not having charity to fulfil this precept:  because he can dispose himself to receive charity from God.  Nor (say they) does it follow that a man not having charity sins mortally whenever he does something good of its kind:  because it is an affirmative precept that binds one to act from charity, and is binding not for all time, but only for such time as one is in a state of charity.  On the other hand, some have said that the mode of charity is altogether outside the precept.

Both these opinions are true up to a certain point.  Because the act of charity can be considered in two ways.  First, as an act by itself:  and thus it falls under the precept of the law which specially prescribes it, viz.  “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God,” and “Thou shalt love thy neighbor.”  In this sense, the first opinion is true.  Because it is not impossible to observe this precept which regards the act of charity;