Topical Encyclopedia
Definition and ConceptBenevolence, 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 FoundationThe 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 Benevolence1.
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 SignificanceBenevolence 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 ApplicationChristians 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."
ConclusionWhile 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.orgLuke 6:45
A good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart brings forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.
Topicalbible.org
John 10:11
I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd gives his life for the sheep.
Topicalbible.org
Matthew 7:18
A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit.
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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 of1 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. CompareExodus 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:
...26. agape -- love, goodwill
... goodwill. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: agape Phonetic Spelling:
(ag-ah'-pay) Short Definition: love Definition: love,benevolence, good will...
2133. eunoia -- goodwill
...benevolence, good will. From the same as eunoeo; kindness; euphemistically, conjugal
duty --benevolence, good will. see GREEK eunoeo. (eunoias) -- 1 Occurrence...
Library
Twenty-Third Day.Benevolence.
... Twenty-third Day.BENEVOLENCE. "Who... misery.Benevolence brought Him from heaven;
benevolence followed His steps wherever He went on earth....
ActiveBenevolence.
... MORNING AND EVENING HYMNS. 1003. " ActiveBenevolence. 1003. 7s. M.6l.
Anonymous. ActiveBenevolence. 1 In the morning sow thy...
ChristianBenevolence of Atticus Bishop of Constantinople. He...
... Book VII. Chapter XXV."ChristianBenevolence of Atticus Bishop of
Constantinople. He registers John's Name in the Diptychs. His...
Of the Love ofBenevolence which we Exercise Towards Our Saviour...
... BOOK V. OF THE TWO PRINCIPAL EXERCISES OF HOLY LOVE WHICH CONSIST IN COMPLACENCY
ANDBENEVOLENCE. CHAPTER VI. OF THE LOVE OFBENEVOLENCE...
How HolyBenevolence Produces the Praise of the Divine Well...
... BOOK V. OF THE TWO PRINCIPAL EXERCISES OF HOLY LOVE WHICH CONSIST IN COMPLACENCY
ANDBENEVOLENCE. CHAPTER VIII. HOW HOLYBENEVOLENCE...
HowBenevolence Makes us Call all Creatures to the Praise of God.
... BOOK V. OF THE TWO PRINCIPAL EXERCISES OF HOLY LOVE WHICH CONSIST IN
COMPLACENCY ANDBENEVOLENCE. CHAPTER IX. HOWBENEVOLENCE MAKES...
Whether the Love which is an Act of Charity is the Same as...
... Article Two Whether the Love which is an Act of Charity is the Same asBenevolence.
Whether the Love which is an Act of Charity is the Same asBenevolence...
Of the Conformity of Submission which Proceeds from the Love of...
... AND INSPIRATIONS. CHAPTER II. OF THE CONFORMITY OF SUBMISSION WHICH PROCEEDS
FROM THE LOVE OFBENEVOLENCE. Complacency then draws...
Of the Sovereign Praise which God Gives unto Himself, and How we...
... BOOK V. OF THE TWO PRINCIPAL EXERCISES OF HOLY LOVE WHICH CONSIST IN
COMPLACENCY ANDBENEVOLENCE. CHAPTER XII. OF THE SOVEREIGN...
How we Practise the Love ofBenevolence in the Praises which Our...
... BOOK V. OF THE TWO PRINCIPAL EXERCISES OF HOLY LOVE WHICH CONSIST IN
COMPLACENCY ANDBENEVOLENCE. CHAPTER XI. HOW WE PRACTISE THE...
Thesaurus
Benevolence (2 Occurrences)... gratuity. Int. Standard Bible Encyclopedia.
BENEVOLENCE. be-nev
... 10. Multi-Version
Concordance
Benevolence (2 Occurrences). 1 Corinthians
...Kindness (295 Occurrences)
... man. Brotherhood is first known as the relation between sons of the same
parent, a relation of tender affection andbenevolence....
Brotherly (8 Occurrences)
... man. Brotherhood is first known as the relation between sons of the same
parent, a relation of tender affection andbenevolence....
Love (703 Occurrences)
... man. Brotherhood is first known as the relation between sons of the same
parent, a relation of tender affection andbenevolence....
Goodness (83 Occurrences)
... his creatures according to their various circumstances and relations (Psalm
145:8, 9; 103:8; 1 John 4:8). Viewed generally, it isbenevolence; as exercised...
Ethics
... system. Purity is purity, andbenevolencebenevolence, and both are
excellences, whether manifested in a heathen or a Christian....
Wisdom (320 Occurrences)
... Lying and injustice are denounced on almost every page of the literature, and unceasing
emphasis is laid on the necessity forbenevolence (Psalm 37:21; Psalm...
Kind (290 Occurrences)
... benignant; gracious. 4. (superl.) Proceeding from, or characterized by, goodness,
gentleness, orbenevolence; as, a kind act. 5. (superl...
Unkind (7 Occurrences)
... 3. (a.) Wanting in kindness, sympathy,benevolence, gratitude, or the like; cruel;
harsh; unjust; ungrateful. Multi-Version Concordance Unkind (7 Occurrences)....
Universal (7 Occurrences)
... the whole number, quantity, or space; unlimited; general; all-reaching; all-pervading;
as, universal ruin; universal good; universalbenevolence or benefice....
Resources
What is benevolence? What is a benevolence fund? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the definition of grace? | GotQuestions.orgQuestions about the Church (All) | GotQuestions.orgBenevolence: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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