Benevolence

Benevolence - Goodwill to Others

Benevolence is sometimes defined as the expression of goodwill to others which results in deeds of helpfulness. It is prompted by the emotion of love inculcated in the command "Thou shalt love they neighbor as thyself." A benevolent disposition suffers uneasiness at the sufferings of others, abhors cruelty under every disguise or pretext, and seeks to relieve these conditions; it becomes universal when it yearns for, and strives to secure, the welfare of all men. Masons are taught to look upon all mankind as formed by the Grand Architect of the Universe in a spirit of sympathy and love and to discharge the duties of benevolence in the widest and most generous scope. Biblical injunctions binding on those who would emulate the spirit and actions of God… ( Leviticus 19:9,10 - Leviticus 25:35-37 - Ecclesiastes 11:1,2 )


Biblical References

Leviticus 19:9,10

9 And when ye reap the harvest of your land, thou shalt not wholly reap the corners of thy field, neither shalt thou gather the gleanings of thy harvest. 10 And thou shalt not glean thy vineyard, neither shalt thou gather every grape of thy vineyard; thou shalt leave them for the poor and stranger: I am the LORD your God.


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Leviticus 25:35-37

35 And if thy brother be waxen poor, and fallen in decay with thee; then thou shalt relieve him: yea, though he be a stranger, or a sojourner; that he may live with thee. 36 Take thou no usury of him, or increase: but fear thy God; that thy brother may live with thee. 37 Thou shalt not give him thy money upon usury, nor lend him thy victuals for increase.


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Ecclesiastes 11:1,2

1 Cast thy bread upon the waters: for thou shalt find it after many days. 2 Give a portion to seven, and also to eight; for thou knowest not what evil shall be upon the earth.


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