"Benevolence is a desire to do good to others. A willingness to deny self, for the purpose of promoting the interest of your neighbor, is the very spirit of Christ, it is the heart and soul of his Gospel."
The above quote was on a sermon I read online through biblestudytools.com and when I read this verse, it really stood out for me. Many times I have seek the goodness of myself and not of my neighbor's; and grieve, loneliness, disillusion has never failed me. An example of this is my family. There are times where I know my family seeks to spent time with me but I do not make an effort to reach out and be with them because of my own self interest. Whether it be because I want to go home and cleaning or simply I have "other" things to do; it does not justify the fact that I did not put them first before myself. My self absorption has led me to feel alone and unhappy. Yes my house is clean but what real value is in that? The only one benefiting from an overly clean house is me.
When we focus so much of our energy on material and superficial things to make us feel happy; we often find ourselves feeling the exact opposite. Now I understand why it is that I feel complete and beyond happy when I do an act of kindness or practice benevolence...its because the very spirit of christ is in me. He brings me happiness and true peace when I practice his teachings.
Lord, give me the strength to put in action you wisdom and love.
Amen.
