Exercise Wisdom with Benevolence

By David R. Ferguson "So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith" (Galatians 6:10).     The topic of benevolence is a difficult one that brings up many questions. Does opportunity equal obligation? Is benevolence something we do when convenient? When does encouraging through benevolence become enabling? Are there times when it is proper to say, "No"?     There are limits of benevolence, regardless of whom one feels is an eligible candidate. When Galatians 6:10 tells us that we should help "all men," this doesn’t include those who are called the "idle" in 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12: "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, if any will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear of some that walk among you disorderly, that work not at all, but are busybodies. Now them that are such we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread."     And just as wisdom is to be applied to the phrase "all men," so, too, is wisdom to be applied when we are told to "Give to him that asks of you" in Matthew 5:42. This doesn’t mean that we "Take the children’s bread and cast it to dogs" (Matthew 15:26). In other words, we don’t give to others if our giving is going to be depriving our own dependents of what they need. We don’t want to be too narrow in our benevolence, but neither should we be too broad in whom we decide to help.     We have no authority to extend benevolence that would help immoral living, such as would be the case of fornication, drug abuse, or giving money to a woman to have an abortion performed. We should never be guilty of enabling sin or sinful practices and lifestyles. As Paul wrote to the church at Thessalonica, Christianity prescribes starvation for those who refuse and shirk work. The purpose is that their hunger, hopefully, will drive them to seek and find work for themselves.     We also must consider what is our ability to perform benevolence, both at the personal as well as the congregational level. As stated previously, one should never deprive one’s own to help another. As the old proverb states, charity begins at home. So just as we should try to teach the gospel to as many people as possible, we should also assist in benevolence as many people as we possibly can, as God has prospered and blessed us. Wisdom is required, and God has promised to grant wisdom generously to those who seek it (James 1:5).     May the Lord bless and prosper you!

- David R. Ferguson preaches for the Mentor Church of Christ in Mentor, OH.  He may be contacted through the congregation's website: http://mentorchurchofchrist.com/ or davidferguson61@yahoo.com