Benevolence is a foundational virtue that is intrinsic to the Christian faith and fundamental to the teachings of Jesus Christ. Benevolence, in its essence, refers to kindness, goodwill, and a willingness to do good to others. In the Bible, this virtue takes on a profound spiritual significance, as it is linked with the concept of unconditional love and compassion that humans must demonstrate towards one another.
What Does the Bible Say About Benevolence?
The Bible is replete with verses and stories that promote benevolence. The encouragement to love one’s neighbor, show compassion to the bereft, and kindness to the needy are recurrent themes in both the Old and New Testaments. Aspects of benevolence like charity and almsgiving are also integral to the teachings of Jesus Christ and the disciples. The Bible underscores the fact that benevolence is not merely an act but a spiritual mandate for every believer. It emphasizes that true benevolence cannot be divorced from love and it ought to go beyond mere charitable giving to encompass kindness, compassion, and goodwill to all, irrespective of reciprocity.
Who Emphasized Benevolence in the Bible?
Major biblical figures, including Jesus Christ, his apostles, and the Old Testament prophets, emphasized the virtue of benevolence. Christ’s teachings are heavily steeped in urging believers to demonstrate kindness and goodwill towards their neighbors. The apostles echoed these teachings in their ministries, emphasizing the value of caring for the less fortunate, showing kindness even to one’s enemies, and sharing with those in need. Old Testament prophets like Isaiah and Jeremiah also strongly advocated for benevolence, urging their followers to care for the widows, orphans, and those marginalized in society.
Where Can One See Examples of Benevolence in the Bible?
There are numerous examples of benevolence in the Bible. One of the most notable is in the New Testament story of the Good Samaritan, where a Samaritan man provides care and comfort to a stranger who had been beaten and left on the roadside. This story embodies the act of benevolence, demonstrating that kindness should be extended to all, regardless of societies’ boundaries or divisions. Another example is found in the Old Testament, where Boaz, a wealthy landowner, shows kindness to Ruth, a poor foreigner. Despite her status, Boaz treats her with respect and offers her protection and sustenance. These narratives underscore the essence of benevolence as illustrated in the Bible.
Why Is Benevolence Such A Major Theme In The Bible?
Benevolence is a major theme in the Bible because it closely aligns with the nature of God and the foundational teachings of Christianity. The Bible presents God as a benevolent being who loves unconditionally and acts kindly towards humanity. Furthermore, followers of Christ are called to emulate this character by being benevolent. By practicing benevolence, believers demonstrate the love of God to others and mirror the character of Christ. The emphasis on benevolence in the Bible is thus a reflection of God’s own attributes and an integral element of the Christian walk of faith.
When Does the Bible Encourage Benevolence?
The Bible encourages benevolence in every aspect of life. Whether in dealing with family, neighbors, strangers, or even enemies, the Bible advocates for kindness and goodwill. Acts of benevolence are not confined to specific circumstances or people; they are required in every situation and towards everyone. The Bible expressly encourages benevolence not just in times of prosperity or convenience, but also in times of hardship and when it could be challenging to do so. This consistent call for benevolence underscores its importance in the Christian life.
Below is the full list of bible verses on benevolence (King James Version – KJV). The list is ranked in order of popularity and we hope you find the inspiration you need.
Most Popular Bible Verses About Benevolence
John 3:16
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Galatians 6:10
“10 As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”
Related Themes: Kindness Volunteering Reaping What You Sow Caring
James 1:27
“27 Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”
Related Themes: Strangers Homelessness Holiness Justice
1 Corinthians 7:3
“3 Let the husband render unto the wife due benevolence: and likewise also the wife unto the husband.”
Proverbs 28:27
“27 He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Money Serving The Poor Giving
Exodus 21:10
“10 If he take him another wife; her food, her raiment, and her duty of marriage, shall he not diminish.”
Related Themes: Marriage
Galatians 5:22
“22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,”
Related Themes: Holy Spirit Arguing Criticism Self-Control Strangers
Ephesians 4:32
“32 And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Forgiveness Kindness Bitterness Reconciliation
Matthew 5:43-48
“43 Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;45 That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not even the publicans the same?47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? do not even the publicans so?48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.”
Luke 6:38
“38 Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.”
Related Themes: Reaping Money Reaping What You Sow Finances Serving Others
Acts 17:10-11
“10 And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews.11 These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Criticism Omnipotence Frustration Lust
Romans 13:8-10
“8 Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.9 For this, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not kill, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness, Thou shalt not covet; and if there be any other commandment, it is briefly comprehended in this saying, namely, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.10 Love worketh no ill to his neighbour: therefore love is the fulfilling of the law.”
Romans 2:4
“4 Or despisest thou the riches of his goodness and forbearance and longsuffering; not knowing that the goodness of God leadeth thee to repentance?”
Related Themes: Repentance Patience Kindness Suffering
Acts 20:35
“35 I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye 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.”
Related Themes: Money Serving Others Charity Generosity Finances
1 Timothy 5:16
“16 If any man or woman that believeth have widows, let them relieve them, and let not the church be charged; that it may relieve them that are widows indeed.”
1 Timothy 5:8
“8 But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
Related Themes: Money Finances Respecting Your Parents Children Laziness
Acts 6:4
“4 But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.”
Luke 6:31
“31 And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.”
Related Themes: Gossip Business Judging Others Love Friendship
Acts 11:27-30
“27 And in these days came prophets from Jerusalem unto Antioch.28 And there stood up one of them named Agabus, and signified by the spirit that there should be great dearth throughout all the world: which came to pass in the days of Claudius Caesar.29 Then the disciples, every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the brethren which dwelt in Judaea:30 Which also they did, and sent it to the elders by the hands of Barnabas and Saul.”
Hebrews 13:16
“16 But to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.”
Related Themes: Strangers Sharing Sacrifice Charity Pleasing God
1 Corinthians 13:3
“3 And though I bestow all my goods to feed the poor, and though I give my body to be burned, and have not charity, it profiteth me nothing.”
Leviticus 25:35-38
“35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee.36 Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee.37 Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.38 I am the LORD your God, which brought you forth out of the land of Egypt, to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God.”
Related Themes: Strangers Homelessness Poverty
James 2:14-24
“14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food,16 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?17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.18 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.19 Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.20 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead?21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?22 Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?23 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.”
Related Themes: Strangers Faith Serving Others Hypocrisy Fidelity
Proverbs 22:9
“9 He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.”
Related Themes: Homelessness Lust Money Finances Serving The Poor
Matthew 25:40
“40 And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
Related Themes: Strangers Homelessness Serving Others
2 Corinthians 9:1
“1 For as touching the ministering to the saints, it is superfluous for me to write to you:”
Related Themes: Reaping What You Sow
John 3:16-17
“16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.”
Related Themes: Trespassing Life Love Money Omnipotence
Acts 2:44-45
“44 And all that believed were together, and had all things common;45 And sold their possessions and goods, and parted them to all men, as every man had need.”
Related Themes: Money Attitude Wealth Serving The Poor
James 1:17
“17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.”
Related Themes: Birthday Complaining Children Finances Gratitude
2 Corinthians 9:8
“8 And God is able to make all grace abound toward you; that ye, always having all sufficiency in all things, may abound to every good work:”
Related Themes: Money Finances Business Prosperity
