A part of the work of the local church is benevolence. Biblical benevolence primarily has to do with the financial support of those who are in need (Acts 2:41-46; 4:32-35; 11:27-30; Romans 15:25-27; 1 Corinthians 16:1-4; 2 Corinthians 8 & 9). When you read these passages, you will see that they all involve brethren receiving relief. When it comes to using the Lord’s money in car-rying out the work of the church, it is not the responsibility of the church to take care of every per-son who might be in need. That is the responsibility of the individual Christian. In other words, we use the Lord’s money to relieve needy saints, and we use our own money, as Christians, to relieve both Christians and non-Christians alike.

A benevolent church is a church that regularly helps its members when they are in need. It is also a church, however, that is made up of generous members who help whomever they can, whenev-er they can.

Galatians 6:10 (ESV)
¹⁰ So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Further teaching on this was given by Jesus in one of His greatest parables—The Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37). We learn from Jesus that our neighbor is not just the people who live next door, but our fellow man, regardless of color, creed or religion. We must be neigh-bors to everyone by helping anyone who needs it whenever we can. Being generous is a core value of the Christian.

1 Timothy 6:17-19 (ESV)
¹⁷ As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy. ¹⁸ They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, ¹⁹ thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life.

Local churches that are filled with generous members cannot help but be benevolent. The church at Jerusalem serves as an example for us once again. When brethren were in need, they did not wait until they could take money out of the local treasury to help the needy; they made a personal sacrifice to meet the problem at hand.

Acts 2:44-45 (ESV)
⁴⁴ And all who believed were together and had all things in common. ⁴⁵ And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need.

An ideal local church is not only a church that is unified and scriptural, but also one that is giving. It begins with fulfilling the responsibility to lay by in store on the first day of the week as com-manded by God (1 Corinthians 16:1-2). This allows the church to do the work that Christ gave it to do, including the relieving of needy saints. A giving church is also one that is filled with kind and compassionate members who are willing to share what they have with the less fortunate. Possessing this kind of love for others not only pleases God, but it provides an ideal condition for spiritual growth. Let us all do our part in helping our local church be a benevolent church.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.