Last night, as I sat down to write this weeks’ newsletter article about benevolence and introduce you to Quest’s benevolence team, my fifteen year old son Ben and I started discussing God’s purpose and meaning of benevolence. This prompted him to go and pen his thoughts to paper, which helps him to express himself. I found what he wrote to be very insightful and a blessing. So, I wanted to share with you all a portion of what Ben wrote:
Matthew 22: 36-40 states, “Teacher, which is the great commandment in the Law?” And he said to him, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself. On these two commandments depend all the Law and the Prophets.” Once again, these are Jesus’ words. The second says love your neighbor as yourselves. Now think of a time someone put you first, or sacrificed for you. Maybe it was something small like recording your TV show. Try to think of a big sacrifice someone made for you. Here is an easy one, the person speaking in the verse made an irreplaceable sacrifice for you. Jesus showed benevolence in everything he did. He stepped down from the throne of God. He healed injured and impaired people. He taught everyone. He accepted and befriended tax collectors, fishermen, prostitutes, and murderers. He lived a perfect life. Finally, He died the worst possible death a human can bear. Then 3 days later, he rose from the dead. He showed benevolence to sinful people. He did not do this so we would think he is a good guy. He did not do this because we are worth saving. Jesus died and rose for us because he follows the 2 greatest commandments listed above. He did this because Jesus is the definition of benevolence. Are we not supposed to be like our Savior Jesus?
Later in Matthew 25:35-40 we read, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” Jesus clearly tells us to care for the less fortunate. Benevolence should not be a burden, but rather a service for God.
Benevolence is mostly thought of as giving money. Yes, that is benevolence. But, if you do not have the finances to give large sums of money, thankfully that is not the only way to practice benevolence. Benevolence is being kind. Benevolence is treating others as yourself. Christians need to practice benevolence. We are not saved through works, but our faith should impact the way we act. Because of our faith, we try our very hardest to act as Jesus would and follow his commandments. Benevolence is not an optional aspect of life. We need to be kind and show charity anyway we can. Again, money is not the end all be all. It is understandable that not everyone can donate thousands of dollars. But everyone can give time, kindness and benevolence to all.
What beautiful words to share about benevolence, which reflect the heart of Christ in loving others, caring for others and showing kindness to others. As you engage people in your circle of relationships and you need help bearing their burdens, please reach out to the Quest benevolence team of Joe Moore, Gayle Kearney, Karen Dalby, Thomas Loafmann or Steve Hicks. We will come alongside you all to support, to encourage and to love.
Peace,
Steve