Benevolence is a word we seldom hear today. It describes a person’s desires and efforts to do good and to treat others with kindness. A generous gift is a benevolent act.
People who are benevolent deliberately rise above their default negative instincts to sacrifice their needs and wishes for the benefit of others. In today’s world this is an uncommon thing!
Jesus said that a meaningful and purposeful life is based upon treating others with benevolence—as we would like to be treated (Matthew 7:12). In fact, he said that all of the teachings of Scripture and religion is be encapsulated in this one principle.
True spirituality is not about rigidly following religious rules or trying to earn enough brownie points with God so he has no choice but to let you into Heaven. The essence of religion is not that you belong to a select group of people who have tricked themselves into being so nice they have forgotten how to be bad.
True spirituality springs from a heart that is so touched by God's benevolence that it radically changes the way it views the world and others. True religion moves people away from constantly thinking and worrying about themselves to where they simply want to help as many fellow travelers as they can.
Rich DuBose writes from Northern California | Photo by Thirdman, with Pexels.
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