Introduction

The life and teachings of Jesus Christ serve as the ultimate model for Christian conduct, particularly in the realm of benevolence. The call to emulate Christ's example is a recurring theme throughout the New Testament, urging believers to reflect His love, compassion, and selflessness in their interactions with others. This entry explores the biblical basis for conforming to Christ's example in benevolence, highlighting key scriptural passages and their implications for Christian living.

Biblical Foundation

1. Imitation of Christ's Love: The Apostle Paul exhorts believers to imitate Christ's love and selflessness. In Ephesians 5:1-2 , Paul writes, "Be imitators of God, therefore, as beloved children, and walk in love, just as Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant sacrificial offering to God." This passage underscores the sacrificial nature of Christ's love, which believers are called to emulate in their acts of kindness and generosity.

2. The Example of Humility and Service: Philippians 2:5-7 provides a profound insight into Christ's humility and service: "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus: Who, existing in the form of God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a servant, being made in human likeness." Christ's willingness to humble Himself and serve others is a powerful example for Christians to follow, emphasizing the importance of putting others' needs before one's own.

3. Generosity and Compassion: In 2 Corinthians 8:9 , Paul highlights Christ's generosity: "For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sakes He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich." This verse illustrates the depth of Christ's benevolence, encouraging believers to be generous and compassionate, sharing their resources with those in need.

4. The Parable of the Good Samaritan: Jesus' parable in Luke 10:30-37 serves as a vivid illustration of benevolence in action. The Samaritan's compassion and willingness to help a stranger in need exemplify the kind of love and mercy that Christ calls His followers to demonstrate. Jesus concludes the parable with the command, "Go and do likewise," urging believers to actively seek opportunities to show kindness and mercy.

5. The Call to Serve: In Matthew 20:28 , Jesus declares, "Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." This statement encapsulates the essence of Christ's mission and serves as a directive for His followers to prioritize service and selflessness in their lives.

Practical Implications

Conforming to the example of Christ in benevolence requires a transformation of heart and mind, aligning one's attitudes and actions with the teachings of Jesus. This transformation is facilitated by the Holy Spirit, who empowers believers to live out the virtues of love, humility, and generosity. Christians are called to be active participants in their communities, seeking to alleviate suffering and meet the needs of others through tangible acts of kindness and charity.

The example of Christ challenges believers to transcend cultural and social barriers, extending love and compassion to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. This radical inclusivity reflects the heart of the Gospel and serves as a testament to the transformative power of Christ's love in the world.Acts 20:35
I have showed you all things, how that so laboring you ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

2 Corinthians 8:7,9
Therefore, as you abound in every thing, in faith, and utterance, and knowledge, and in all diligence, and in your love to us, see that you abound in this grace also.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Foundation of Moral Obligation.
... This, in conformity with the theory in question, should read: "If any man will ... Let
this theory be examined in the light of the spirit and example of Christ. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture iv foundation of moral.htm

Foundation of Moral Obligation.
... Virtue, or moral excellence, consists in conformity of will to moral law ... will the
glory of the Father and the salvation of souls, than the example of Christ. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture vi foundation of moral.htm

Obedience to the Moral Law.
... excited emotion, rather than in conformity of the ... the accomplishment of the thing
required to be ... For example, Christ had all the constitutional appetites and ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xi obedience to the.htm

Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2.
... conformed to the world, but should be according to the example and Spirit of Christ? ...
what avails it, if they sink right back again into conformity with the ...
/.../finney/lectures to professing christians/be not conformed to this.htm

The Christ of the Gospels. By Rev. Professor Schaff.
... of duty, and exhibits an entire conformity to the ... the regenerating and sanctifying
power of his Spirit and example. ... from all they had heard and seen of Christ. ...
/.../the christ of the gospels.htm

The Priesthood of Christ
... large reward the voluntary promptitude which Christ exhibited ... and to prove it by
an important example. ... a destructive sentence against him in conformity with the ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 1/oration iv the priesthood of.htm

Attributes of Love.
... relation to moral law, and expresses its conformity to it ... For example: every man
sustains such relations that he can ... the state of mind required by Christ in the ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xii attributes of love.htm

Attributes of Love.
... For example: it is common for persons to deny self ... of his love that secures its
universal conformity, in all ... This is doubtless what Christ intended when he said ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xv attributes of love.htm

Faith and Unbelief.
... For example: I can believe in both the proper ... in the wider sense of universal conformity
of will to ... incompatible with present rebellion of will against Christ. ...
/.../finney/systematic theology/lecture xxxv faith and unbelief.htm

Christian Stewardship.
... infinitely superior to the slavish conformity so much ... Their example is brilliant
all over with true ... cares, even though professedly for Christ's sake, will ...
/.../dibble/thoughts on missions/chapter ii christian stewardship.htm

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