In order to understand the Biblical data regarding this issue, we need to first come to terms with what we mean by “benevolence”. The term is being used in a very broad context.

By benevolence, we mean the ministry of provision (money, food, clothing, time, etc) to people inside and outside a church community who are in need. The equation is fairly simple. A person has a need. The church, be it by virtue of the budget, an offering, food bank or an individual steps forward to meet the need of that person. This could be once, or it could be one hundred times. It could be through a food bank; it could be through a cash gift or it could be through personal presence.

The means are immaterial and secondary. The critical issue is to understand the Scriptural principles that should guide the motivation, collection, and distribution of these resources.