Topical Encyclopedia The concept of using one's hands for acts of benevolence is deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the importance of charity, service, and kindness. The hands, as instruments of action, are frequently mentioned in Scripture as tools for doing good and serving others.Biblical Foundation The Bible consistently encourages believers to use their hands for good works. In the Old Testament, the hands are often depicted as instruments of labor and service. Proverbs 31:20 describes the virtuous woman: "She opens her arms to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy." This passage highlights the active role of hands in providing for those in need, underscoring the importance of generosity and compassion. In the New Testament, the teachings of Jesus further emphasize the use of hands in service to others. In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus speaks of the righteous who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, and clothed the naked, illustrating that acts of kindness are a reflection of one's faith. The hands are the means by which these acts are carried out, serving as a tangible expression of love and mercy. Apostolic Example The apostles also set an example of using their hands for benevolent purposes. In Acts 20:34-35, the Apostle Paul reminds the Ephesian elders of his own labor: "You yourselves know that these hands of mine have ministered to my own needs and those of my companions. In everything, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words of the Lord Jesus Himself: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" Paul’s hands were not only used for his own sustenance but also for the benefit of others, demonstrating the principle of selfless service. Practical Application The call to employ one's hands in acts of benevolence is not limited to biblical times but extends to contemporary Christian practice. Believers are encouraged to engage in charitable activities, such as feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, and supporting the less fortunate. James 2:15-17 challenges Christians to demonstrate their faith through deeds: "If a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, stay warm and well fed,' but does not provide for their physical needs, what good is that? So too, faith by itself, if it does not result in action, is dead." Spiritual Significance The use of hands in acts of benevolence is not merely a physical act but carries spiritual significance. It reflects the heart of God, who is compassionate and merciful. By serving others, believers embody the love of Christ and fulfill the commandment to love one's neighbor as oneself (Mark 12:31). The hands, therefore, become instruments of divine grace, extending God's love and provision to a world in need. In summary, the biblical mandate to employ one's hands in acts of benevolence is a call to active faith, where believers are urged to translate their love for God into tangible acts of kindness and service. Through such actions, the hands become a powerful symbol of the Christian commitment to love, serve, and uplift others in the name of Christ. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 3:27Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 31:20 Library Chapter v. part ii. On Idolatry part iii. Entire Sanctification Acts II Personal Service On the Comparison of the Law and the Gospel Be not Conformed to this World. Romans 12:2. Messiah Derided Upon the Cross Resources Should we raise our hands/clap our hands during worship? | GotQuestions.orgLaying on of hands - what does the Bible say? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus say, “Into your hands I commit my spirit,” on the cross? | GotQuestions.org Hands: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Bloody The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Ensnaring to Themselves The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Mischievous The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Slothful The Hands of the Wicked, Described as Violent The Hands were Lifted up in Blessing The Hands were Lifted up in Praise The Hands were Lifted up in Prayer The Hands were Lifted up in Taking an Oath The Hands were Washed in Token of Innocency The Hands were Washed: After Touching an Unclean Person The Hands were Washed: Before Eating The Hands: (Cutting off) of Extreme Self-Denial The Hands: (Lifted up Against Another) of Rebellion The Hands: (Opened) Liberality The Hands: (Shut) Illiberality The Hands: Clapped Together in Joy The Hands: Criminals often: Bound By The Hands: Criminals often: Deprived of The Hands: Criminals often: Hung By The Hands: Criminals often: Mutilated In The Hands: Custom of Domestics Pouring Water Upon, Alluded To The Hands: Distinguished as The Left The Hands: Distinguished as The Right The Hands: Imposition of, a First Principle of the Doctrine of Christ The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Blessing The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Conferring Civil Power The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Imparting the Gifts of the Holy Spirit The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Ordaining Ministers The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Setting Apart the Levites The Hands: Imposition of, Used in Transferring Guilt of Sacrifices The Hands: Kissed in Idolatrous Worship The Hands: Many Alike Expert With Both The Hands: Many had More Command of the Left The Hands: Necessary Members of the Body The Hands: Often Spread out in Prayer The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Feeling The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Holding The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Making Signs The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Striking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Taking The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Working The Hands: Operations of, Mentioned: Writing The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Fingers The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Palm The Hands: Parts of, Mentioned: The Thumb The Hands: Placed Under the Thigh of a Person to Whom an Oath Was Made The Hands: Right Hand of Strength and Power The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Bribes) of Corruption The Hands: Right Hand: (Full of Falsehood) of Deceitfulness The Hands: Right Hand: (Holding By) of Support The Hands: Right Hand: (Standing At) Protection The Hands: Right Hand: (Withdrawn) Support Withheld The Hands: Saints Blessed in the Work of The Hands: Servants Directed by Movements of The Hands: should be Employed in Acts of Benevolence The Hands: should be Employed in God's Service The Hands: should be Employed: Industriously The Hands: Smitten Together in Extreme Anger The Hands: Stretched out in Derision The Hands: Suretiship Entered Into by Striking The Hands: The Jews Carried a Staff In, when Walking The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Blood of his Sacrifice The Hands: The Right Hand of Healed Leper Touched With Oil The Hands: The Right Hand of Priests Touched With Blood of Consecration-Ram The Hands: The Right Hand used in Embracing The Hands: The Right Hand: Given in Token of Friendship The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Honor The Hands: The Right Hand: Place of Power The Hands: The Right Hand: Signet Worn On The Hands: The Right Hand: Sworn By The Hands: The Right Hand: The Accuser Stood At, of the Accused The Hands: The Wicked Recompensed for the Work of The Hands: Treaties Made by Joining Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |
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