This word has been scrolling across my head for three days.  I’ve heard this word, particularly in Christian ministries, that are called ‘churches’, and they have what is called Benevolence Funds.

The origin of the word and the foundation of its meaning are well-wishing; organized to do good things for other people; kind and generous.   When people are in dire need, many of them expect the religious businesses to do good things for them; to help them up from the mire.  After all, this is what many of us have been taught that these ministry businesses are supposed to do.  At times disconcerting, but yet truthfully true, these businesses are not ‘organized’ to BE BENEVOLENT.  This is not their mission and vision.  SELAH!

Thus, some will establish non-profit organizations to provide a service to assist you, i.e., halfway houses funded by philanthropists and world agencies, child care services funded by state programs, homes for teenage parents and domestic violence victims funded by foundations and the criminal justice system, and counseling centers for those who are addicted to various vices paid for by your insurance company.  I am no against these entities, because they do assist people in great manifestations.  On the other hand thought, many of these established ‘charitable’ organizations require you to invest (co-pays, sliding scale fees, payment plans, etc.) in their generosity towards and for you.

BUT HOW IS IT PERFECTLY CHARITABLE IF THEY ARE SEEING A RETURN?

 I do believe that people should BE BENEVOLENT.  And, I believe they should BE this with wisdom and without expectation from anyone except the LORD.  So, with resolution that is built on the Chief Cornerstone, in this manner I encourage you (those of you who truly need assistance):  do not hold these ministry businesses responsible to help you or hold them captive when they are not charitable towards you.  They are simply not organized (set-up, established, instituted) to do that.  Pray that the LORD directs you to the ones who are organized (structured, well-regulated, and inherently able) to GIVE, to do good things for you, and to BE kind and generous to you.  Your investment will be to owe them nothing but to love them.

To BE BENEVOLENT is a lifestyle.  Today… I choose, again, to BE.  SELAH!

© 2015 Angela M. Smith