Extending benevolence to other people in need during this Covid-19 pandemic has become a global trend - be it governments, churches along with their numerous associated organizations, society organizations or even individually. It is evident that the wave of popularity has reached our society by and large. With the global wide increase in such random acts of kindness, we sometimes feel we are burdened to do so too. The media through its different forms scream out loud to us about good works done by various organizations crisscrossing local cities, districts, states, and even to neighboring countries as well.
In light of this scenario, I would like to reflect upon our acts of benevolence extended for the upliftment of our needy fellow beings. A benevolent act of work is biblical, however the underlying problem with many of us seems to be that our acts are done with partiality or for self-gain or fame rather than out of a genuine concern and love for others’ sustenance. For instance, if we pause and look around our society as well as our political situation, it’s clear that it’s mere self-promotion most times - be it using it as a platform to accuse other parties or as a golden moment to raise funds from aid agencies, in particular foreign ones. Unfortunately, all these acts are done in the name of lending a helping hand to the needy. Forget about uplifting, I’m afraid it rather pulls them down instead. The fact of the matter and concern as a true followers of Christ is a question to introspect: What are the factors that motivate our benevolence in this Pandemic?
Sobering thoughts to ponder upon as we participate in benevolence towards others during this pandemic lockdown:
Jesus Christ our best model “…went about doing good…” (Acts 10:38) during His public ministry. He always demonstrated justice with Love. God wants and expects His children to have compassion and be tenderhearted not returning evil for evil but a blessing (1 Peter 3:8-9). It comes as no surprise that the early church and the first-century saints as recorded in the book of Acts showed a genuine concern for the material and physical needs of others, which in turn knitted them in the midst of turmoil.
In (Acts 2:44- 45), “Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need.” Those who received assistance were those who “had need.” Also in (Romans 12:13), we can see Paul urging the early Christians to share financial or material assistance with those “in need”. The genuinely needy were the ones who were prioritized and benefited without any partiality.
One of the other well known cases of the early church making certain that its members’ material needs were met is the instance recorded in (Acts 6: 2-6). It is there we read some widows “were neglected in the daily distribution” (6:1). Faithful disciples were chosen to “serve tables,” meaning to certainly make sure that the widows in question had their material needs met with justice. The interesting issue to observe here is that preference was given to others less deserving then the widows, which is quite a common trend in today’s world too. The disciples overcame the prejudice with justice by ensuring equality for all.
In light of this remarkable example from the book of Acts, Aristotle once said, “Virtue means doing the right thing, in relation to the right person, at the right time, to the right extent, in the right manner, and for the right purpose. Thus, to give money away is quite a simple task, but for the act to be virtuous, the donor must give to the right person, for the right purpose, in the right amount, in the right manner, and at the right time.” This constantly reminds us that any benevolent act can only be meaningful when we are able to extend it to the right person, for the right purpose, in the right manner and at the right time.
King Solomon reminded us to be aware that, “Righteousness exalts a Nation, But sin is a disgrace to any people” (Proverbs 14:34, NASB).Let us therefore be conscious that our acts of benevolence are ‘righteous’ in the sight of God instead of leading us to sin (perhaps unknowingly!). Let us prayerfully seek God’s wisdom and do our best to ensure that our acts of benevolence are the tangible expression of God’s justice and love towards our fellow men and women. Let the love of Christ be the absolute intrinsic motivating factor behind our benevolent works as we strive to help others fight the battle against overcoming their pandemic related life crises.
May we hear the voice of God and follow Him.
