How would you define benevolence? Some would say it is a desire to do good to others, and they would be right. That is the broadest of applications. Our world goes right along with that answer, yet there are multitudes of brothers and sisters in Christ that go hungry or without shelter around the world. The problem in the world is not that there are not enough people to take care of the needs, but that they spend their charitable giving on what may be good causes, but they are not biblical needs. The Chronicle’s reported their annual list of the 10 largest charitable gifts by individuals or their foundations totaled nearly $9.3 billion in 2022. Americans do not mind giving, but most of that amount has no eternal value at all. While it is good to take care of animals and fund cancer and disease efforts, these will not keep one soul out of Hell. I am also alarmed at church budgets that spend much more on things that are good, such as, fellowship, which scripture teaches is important, yet their outreach programs to win souls to Jesus is much less. Many members have great needs for food and shelter, yet they must seek help outside of the church.
Romans 12:13 “Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.”
In Romans 12:13 Paul gives clear instructions to Christians about how we are to take care of one another. The first word of the verse is distributing. In the text, it is used to describe having things in common. It is a feeling of whatever is mine is yours. We are to give to the needs of our brothers and sisters. Note, we are not talking about supplying their wants. These are basic needs such as shelter and food. It may mean we need to loan them a car or pick them up and take them to work. We are to help them in a way that does not make them dependent on us but rather supports them to become independent. Many times, people come to Christ because of great needs. This is a perfect opportunity to show them the love of Christ by doing what we can to help them. In James 2:15-17 we are taught that if a brother has a need and we don’t try to meet that need our faith is dead faith.
James 2:14-17 “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man says he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them, not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so, faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.”
Along with benevolence is hospitality. This is the opening of our home to others. Given to hospitality means that we should cheerfully do this, not just to those we know, but to strangers also. In Hebrews 13:2, we are told they could be an opportunity sent by God. In Genesis 19:2 they were angels sent to Abraham. The idea here is that we are to extend Christ’s love to all and by doing so we will be blessed even more than the receiver. In I Peter 4:9, we are to do it without grudging. We are to want to extend the blessings God has given us to others. In Matthew 10:40-42 Jesus teaches us that when we extend hospitality to others, even as little as a cup of cold water, it is the same as if we had given it to Him. Jesus goes further to say the person who does this will receive a reward! We need to understand that hospitality is not just a gift given to a few. There may be some people by which it comes naturally but it is a command to all Christians.
Matthew 10:40-42 “He that received you received me, and he that received me received him that sent me. He that received a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that received a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.”
The mark of benevolence and hospitality was evident in the New Testament church. In Acts 2:44 we have a clear picture of how they took care of one another. They sold possessions and shared in the gain so that others in the congregation could have their needs met. They opened their homes, fed one another, and worshiped together. God blessed that attitude and action by adding to the church daily!
Act 2:44-47 “And all that believed were together, and had all things common; And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need. And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily such as should be saved.”
Now it is time to ask yourself the question, “Do I have the mark of benevolence and hospitality?” Am I concerned enough about the needs of others to give until the needs are met? Do I cheerfully open my home to others and seek to entertain those I do not know? Is my benevolence and hospitality deeds of convenience or is it important enough for me to put my desires on the back burner and honor Christ’s command?
