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The concept of Benevolence in Christianity

Benevolence, in the context of Christianity, encompasses the quality of being kind and well-meaning, particularly emphasizing goodwill toward others. The Catholic Church identifies it as a friendly disposition fostered among individuals. Early Christianity highlights benevolence as wishing to do good for one's neighbor's sake, viewing it as a significant virtue. It also suggests that while kindness is essential, the obligation to act benevolently should precede and enhance the voluntary expressions of generosity, underlining its paramount importance in ethical conduct.1
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Synonyms: Kindness, Goodwill, Generosity, Compassion, Charity, Altruism, Leniency, Humanity, Munificence, Magnanimity., Magnanimity, Philanthropy

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Christian concept of 'Benevolence'

Christianity Books

Significance in Early Christian church and writers:
Early Christianity Books

From: Ante-nicene Fathers

(1) Benevolence, as described in the text, is the act of wishing to do good to one's neighbor for their sake, one of the fairest ornaments.[1] (2) The quality of being well meaning, and the requirement of the undue is an augmentation of the due benevolence, but the due precedes the undue, as the principal quality, and more worthy of the other, for its attendant and companion.[2] (3) Kindness and a charitable disposition towards others, particularly expressed through selfless acts.[3]

Early Christianity (also known as Early Church) refers to the period starting roughly in the 6th century BC up until 325 A.D. during which year the first council of Nicaea was convened. Popular literature includes the writings by the early Church Fathers which forms the basis of later Christian theology.

Significance in Global Christian community:
Catholic Church Books

From: Summa Theologica (English translation)

(1) A disposition toward kindness and goodwill towards others, particularly associated with friendship.[4]

The Catholic Church is a global Christian community with over a billion members, rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. It is led by the Pope and emphasizes the sacraments, particularly the Eucharist. Catholicism is a denomination centered on the teachings thereof. It has a rich theological and cultural heritage.

Significance in Christianity (general):

From: Expositions of Holy Scripture

(1) The quality of being well-meaning and kind, identified as significant in the context of judgment.[5]