Topical Encyclopedia Definition and Concept Benevolence, in a biblical context, refers to the disposition to do good, characterized by acts of kindness, charity, and a genuine concern for the welfare of others. It is a fundamental aspect of Christian ethics and is deeply rooted in the nature of God, who is described as loving and merciful. Biblical Foundation The concept of benevolence is woven throughout the Scriptures, reflecting God's character and His expectations for His people. In the Old Testament, benevolence is often associated with justice and mercy. For example, Micah 6:8 states, "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies benevolence through His teachings and actions. The parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) is a quintessential illustration of benevolence, where Jesus emphasizes loving one's neighbor through acts of kindness and compassion, regardless of social or ethnic boundaries. Expressions of Benevolence 1. Charity and Generosity: Christians are called to be generous and to share their resources with those in need. Proverbs 19:17 states, "Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender." The early church exemplified this through communal living and sharing, as seen in Acts 2:44-45 : "All the believers were together and had everything in common. Selling their possessions and goods, they shared with anyone who was in need." 2. Hospitality: The New Testament encourages believers to practice hospitality as an expression of love and benevolence. Romans 12:13 instructs, "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." 3. Forgiveness and Mercy: Benevolence also involves forgiving others and showing mercy, as God has shown mercy to humanity. Ephesians 4:32 urges, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you." Theological Significance Benevolence is not merely a moral duty but a reflection of the transformative power of the Gospel in a believer's life. It is an outward manifestation of the inward change brought about by the Holy Spirit. The Apostle Paul, in Galatians 5:22-23 , lists kindness as a fruit of the Spirit, indicating that benevolence is a natural outcome of a Spirit-filled life. Practical Application Christians are encouraged to actively seek opportunities to demonstrate benevolence in their daily lives. This includes supporting charitable causes, volunteering time and resources, and being attentive to the needs of those around them. James 1:27 highlights the practical aspect of benevolence: "Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to care for orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." Conclusion While a conclusion is not provided, the entry on benevolence underscores its integral role in the Christian faith, urging believers to embody the love and compassion of Christ in all their interactions. Topical Bible Verses Matthew 12:35A good man out of the good treasure of the heart brings forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil things. Topicalbible.org Luke 6:45 John 10:11 Matthew 7:18 Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary 1. (n.) The disposition to do good; good will; charitableness; love of mankind, accompanied with a desire to promote their happiness.2. (n.) An act of kindness; good done; charity given. 3. (n.) A species of compulsory contribution or tax, which has sometimes been illegally exacted by arbitrary kings of England, and falsely represented as a gratuity. International Standard Bible Encyclopedia BENEVOLENCEbe-nev'-o-lens: the King James Version translation of phrase in Textus Receptus of the New Testament of 1 Corinthians 7:3, rejected by the Revised Version (British and American) which following Westcott and Hort, The New Testament in Greek translates Greek opheile, "due." This reference to the marriage relation is explained in 7:4. Compare Exodus 21:10. Greek 5363. philanthropia -- love for mankind, kindness ... Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: philanthropia Phonetic Spelling: (fil-an-thro-pee'-ah) Short Definition: love of mankind, benevolence Definition: ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/5363.htm - 7k 26. agape -- love, goodwill 2133. eunoia -- goodwill Library Twenty-Third Day. Benevolence. Active Benevolence. Christian Benevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople. He ... Of the Love of Benevolence which we Exercise Towards Our Saviour ... How Holy Benevolence Produces the Praise of the Divine Well ... How Benevolence Makes us Call all Creatures to the Praise of God. Whether the Love which is an Act of Charity is the Same as ... Of the Conformity of Submission which Proceeds from the Love of ... Of the Sovereign Praise which God Gives unto Himself, and How we ... How we Practise the Love of Benevolence in the Praises which Our ... Thesaurus Benevolence (2 Occurrences)... gratuity. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia. BENEVOLENCE. be-nev ... 10. Multi-Version Concordance Benevolence (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians ... /b/benevolence.htm - 8k Kindness (295 Occurrences) Brotherly (8 Occurrences) Love (703 Occurrences) Goodness (83 Occurrences) Ethics Wisdom (320 Occurrences) Kind (290 Occurrences) Unkind (7 Occurrences) Universal (7 Occurrences) Resources What is benevolence? What is a benevolence fund? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of grace? | GotQuestions.org Questions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.org Benevolence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Benevolence (2 Occurrences)1 Corinthians 7:3 Galatians 5:22 Subtopics Related Terms |
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