In any relationship, it is seeing how we can benefit the
other. It is easy to see benevolence to
feed the hungry or to house the homeless.
Benevolence, however, should taint every one of our relationships, every
one of our conversations. We can do good
by listening to another, by making sure communication is safe for others, by encouraging others in hope, by finding out
what they actually need. It is seeking
to meet the needs of others, and we all have need. Ultimately, benevolence is the core of
love. It is the seed from which true
love grows. By seeking the other’s need
and trying to meet it, we can find ourselves.
Opposite: Seeking only to meet our own needs; being
apathetic to other’s needs
In our relationships, are we focused on what we can get out
of them, or what we can give in them? Do
we consider the needs of those we know?
Do we recognize signs of weakness in them, in order to assist them, or
at least to empathize? Do we seek help
for those around us when they are in need, or do we just give pat answers and
hope they will stop complaining? Do we
avoid weak people or seek ways to make them strong? Ultimately, are our lives about meeting our
own needs, or helping others to meet theirs?
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