To fulfill our purpose to love others (Matt. 22:39), we must consider ways to demonstrate that love. Benevolence, the practical meeting of people’s needs, provides a means of loving others. Hence, benevolence should be a priority for God’s people.
5 Biblical Reasons to Make Benevolence a Priority
If we page through Scripture, we’ll find plenty of other reasons to make benevolence a priority.
- God cares about the poor and oppressed. (Ps. 10:14, 17-18; 35:10; 140:12; 146:5-9; Prov. 22:2, 22-23)
- What we do for the poor is likened to doing it for the Lord. (Prov. 17:5; 19:17; Matt. 25:31-46)
- We see benevolence modeled in the Old Testament. (Lev. 25:1-55; Deut. 14:28-29; 24:19-21)
- Jesus’ own life is an example of benevolent living for others. (2 Cor. 8:9; Phil. 2:5-7)
- We find an example of its priority in the Early Church. (Acts 2:44-45; 4:32-37; 5:1-11; 6:1-7)
Certainly these reasons should motivate us to make benevolence a priority. But, let’s remember that God wants it to be more than merely fulfilling our duty. To Him, it’s about truly loving people.
If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Cor. 13:3)
The Church Purpose Manual includes the above content along with more about this priority as well as other ways we can live out our purpose to love God and people.