09/08/2024
Proverbs 11:25 - The souls who are a blessing to others shall prosper, and those who refresh others will be refreshed.
On our journey of examining virtues, which are gifts from God’s love, we come across one that is so familiar that it lies at the very core of our faith. I refer to Beneficence. Although it sounds alien, when I define it, you will understand how close it is to our hearts.
Beneficence refers to the act of doing good and promoting the well-being of others. It is a broad ethical principle that encompasses all forms of kindness, generosity, and actions aimed at benefiting others. Doing what is right, giving to others, performing acts of kindness to improve the lives of individuals or society, that is beneficence. When you show someone kindness or generosity, like when you shovel a neighbor's sidewalk or mow their lawn just to help out, no strings attached, that is beneficence.
Beneficence comes from the Latin word ‘benefactum’, meaning "good deed." That's exactly what beneficence is — helping someone just because you care, not because you want to be praised or want something in return. Giving our time, skills, or a donation of money or items shows beneficence. This word can also describe the character of a person who is compassionate. helpful, and caring. A related word is ‘beneficial’, which means “good results”.
Beneficence is one of God’s laws that are written on our hearts. It is an intuitive virtue that flows naturally when we are attuned to Spirit. Even those who claim no religious affiliation can display this virtue. It is considered a moral principle that guides individuals to act in ways that benefit others. It is not just a mere act of charity or being kind. It is both of those qualities and more; it is a way of life that mirrors the heart of God.
Beneficence isn’t about occasional acts of kindness; it is a lifestyle—an intentional choice to seek the welfare of others. When we practice beneficence, we become conduits of God’s grace. Beneficence is closely aligned with Agape love, and like all virtues, it could be described as Agape love in action.
Beneficence flows through three primary channels: generosity, compassion, and advocacy. Beneficence begins with our open hand, sharing our material, emotional, and spiritual resources with those in need. Beneficence is about giving beyond duty or convenience. When we give benevolently, we mirror God’s heart. Our resources—time, talents, and treasures—are meant to bless others. We are called to be extravagant givers. Mark 12:41-44 describes beneficence. “Jesus sat down near the collection box in the Temple and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two small coins. Jesus called his disciples to him and said, “I tell you the truth, this poor widow has given more than all the others who are making contributions. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she had to live on.”
Compassion is another channel of our beneficence. It is not detached; it is empathetic and connecting. We do not turn our faces from suffering when we see it. Rather, we move closer offering comfort, a listening ear, an open heart, and practical help. We are told in Luke 10:33-37 the story of the Good Samaritan. A man helps a stranger who is in distress, caring for him and showing him mercy, even though he is of a culture that loathes each other.
Beneficence also flows through advocacy, fighting for justice. It is standing alongside the marginalized, advocating for their rights, regardless of whether we agree with them. Luke 19:1-10 is the story of Zacchaeus, a chief tax collector. Tax collectors were despised—they collaborated with the oppressive Roman regime and often extorted extra money from their fellow Jews. Despite the cultural and political norms, Jesus intentionally seeks out Zacchaeus, invites Himself to Zacchaeus’s house. Because of Jesus’ acceptance and love, Zacchaeus repents. He promises to give half of his possessions to the poor and repay anyone he has cheated fourfold. Jesus declares salvation has come to his house.
Beneficence is about abundance. It is about making a positive impact through concrete actions. Through the good we do we attract God’s Grace, and it overflows. Likewise, our acts of beneficence should overflow from the abundance of grace we have received. As 2 Corinthians 9:8 tells us: “God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others.”
Jesus also demonstrated this channel of abundance in Matthew 14:13-21, when he took one fish and a few loaves of bread, multiplied them, and fed the multitude. Our small acts of kindness, when multiplied by God’s grace, can transform lives.
We can live a life of increased beneficence by starting small. We begin where we are and take baby steps. We smile at a stranger, offering a helping hand, share a meal, sincerely compliment someone, or share a kind, encouraging, and supportive word. Small acts matter. It is the size of the heart, not the size of the act that Spirit moves through.
Sometimes it takes intentional, planned out, and deliberate action to practice and grow beneficence. We can set aside time and resources for acts of service and kindness. We can volunteer, donate, and mentor, sharing of ourselves.
Then we can pray for opportunities to be benevolent. God will open doors and provide moments in which we can practice beneficence. The opportunities will come, and we must be aware, prepared, and ready to respond.
I John 4:8, “Anyone who does not love does not know God, for God is love.” God is love, and all virtues flow from this love. If allowed, it is a force that will drive out all fear, doubt, and negativity. Love is vibrant, joyous, and uplifting and when put into action it reveals our beneficent spirit. Simply put, love in action is beneficence. It is healing, prospering, and attracting of all God’s good. When we receive God’s good through beneficence, that good multiplies and overflows.
It is my prayer that we be a community of overflowing generosity, and may our lives echo the words of Jesus in Acts 20:35. “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” I pray that we will leave here as channels of God’s beneficence, touching lives and transforming hearts. Remember, it is not about the size of our gifts; it’s about the size of our hearts. Let us overflow with love, peace, compassion, and grace, and share our beneficent spirit.
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