Benevolence is a word for charity that we hear less often that we once did. It’s usually in the context of an organizational benevolence fund created to help people during distressed seasons of life. Today, though, I think we just commonly lump everything into the context of general charitable giving.
However, charity is an interesting word. For one thing, it’s super watered down in our society. Part of that is due to the fact that so many have perpetrated selfish acts in the name of charity. Sadly, we’re giving little thought to the motive and emotion that’s associated.
It’s factors like this that can change the context of a word to mean something other than it once had.
Jonathan Edwards Resolution 70
Edwards’ Resolution #70 (as it was written)
Let there be something of benevolence, in all that I speak.
Edwards’ Resolution #70 (in my modernized language)
Let there be charity in all my words.
Benevolence, Charity, and Love
Most people are familiar with 1 Corinthians 13, which is quickly recognized as “the wedding scripture.” In it, we’re told that love is patient, love is kind…. you know the one. The idea, here, in reading it at weddings, we are encouraging the two who are joining In union to always hold onto their love for one another.
Personally, though, I have heard it so often, I had become numb to the context. And I bet many others have as well.
But I had a monumental shift in my understanding upon learning the King James translation of the Bible does not use the word “love” in this passage. instead, it uses the word “charity.”
So, in this regard, it is “charity” that is patient and “charity” that is kind, etc.
Why Charity Deserves Higher Attention
This 1 Corinthians passage had been translated using the word love in Tyndale’s New Testament, which was done in 1526. That’s a good 85 years before the King James translation. However, the King James translators purposely chose charity. Evidently, they saw an importance for distinguishing it in this way.
Here, it’s also noteworthy that 1 Corinthians 13 uses charity/love 9 times. That connects it with the nine fruits of the spirit, a number that can symbolize a full spiritual fruitfulness.
Clearly, then, we must view charity as more than giving money to good causes. In fact, 1 Corinthians 13:3 says:
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.
1 Corinthians 13:3 KJV
Based on that, it’s possible to give everything you have but not do so in the genuine spirit of charity. That being the case, the giving of funds is not biblical charity. Rather, charity specifically points to love. An authentic and fully formed love – not a token gesture or low-hanging cliche.
Walking (and Speaking) Charitably
Paul says in Romans 14:13-15, we are to walk “charitably.” He praises the Thessalonians for “the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth” (2 Thessalonians 1:3). He makes similar statements in many other places. This is him encouraging us to grow in the fruits of the spirit while also growing in love. This is the basis for our every deed.
We’re born as selfish creatures wired for our own survival above all else.
Christian living is training for our heavenly citizenship in eternity. For most of us, we are not born with giftedness in kindness, pity, compassion, gentleness, tenderheartedness, or even love.
Charity, in our watered down definition that sya it’s merely the giving of money and stuff is not bringing people into fellowship with Christ. Anss it’s not a holy bargaining chip; i.e. “God, if you let X happen, I’ll give 10% of my income.”. God’s plan does not exclude money. It does include money and giving of it.
However, it especially means being personally involved. Yeah… relationships.
So let’s stop condemning each other in deed or in word. Decide instead to live in such a way that your actions and words – both those spoken and those that are thought in your mind – are uplifting.
That they will see the fruits of the spirit thriving in you.