The document summarizes a chapter from "The Six Gifts of Hospitality" about the gift of benevolence. It discusses biblical examples of benevolence shown by Ruth to Naomi, Job to the poor, and Tabitha making coats for widows. It also describes a local handyman who helped widows and orphans without charge. The chapter examines various scriptures about benevolence and hospitality, and concludes with discussion questions.

1. The Six Gifts of Hospitality
by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence - Part 1
“She stretches out her hands to the needy”
Proverbs 31:20
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

2. What is benevolence?
According to www.dictionary.com benevolence is…
(n.) An inclination to perform kind, charitable acts.
(n.) A kindly act.
From our lesson benevolence means…
a. “Taking care of the needs of those less fortunate”
1. Proverbs 31:20
2. Romans 12:13
3. Mark 10:21
b. “It must be done with the right attitude”
1. 1 Cor. 13:3
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

3. Our lesson covers several great stories of benevolence…
Benevolent Boaz
a. Covers the benevolence Ruth showed to her widowed mother-
in-law Naomi, who was also dealing with the loss of her 2 sons.
b. Ruth left her country and followed Naomi to her land to be
with her people.
c. Ruth would meet new people, establish a home and attend to
many other things…where her major concern was finding food!
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

4. Benevolent Boaz – cont.
d. In her search for food, Ruth found a field of grain left by earlier
gleaners.
e. By “divine providence” she came to the fields that belonged to Boaz,
who was a rich man who happened to be related to Naomi!
f. Ruth was working in those same fields, where she caught Boaz’s eye
and he starting inquiring about her!
g. While working in the fields, Boaz called for her and told her not to
leave his fields but to follow his maidens.
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

5. Benevolent Boaz – cont.
h. To her surprise, Boaz told her that when she was thirsty, she was to
help herself to the water drawn by the young men who had been
charged not to touch her.
i. Because of the benevolence Boaz showed to Ruth (food, water &
protection), Ruth fell to Boaz’s feet and asked him, “Why have I found
favor in your sight that you should take notice of me, since I am a
foreigner?”
j. Boaz let her know that he was grateful for what she had done for
Naomi and assured her that the Lord would surely bless her!
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

6. Benevolent Boaz – cont.
k. Boaz then invited Ruth to come and eat with the other reapers, and
afterwards return to work in the fields where Boaz commanded his
young workers to let her glean (def:) among the sheaves without
reproach and not be insulted!
l. Boaz also told his workers to let Ruth purposely pull out grain from
their bundles and leave it that she may glean and do not rebuke her!
Ruth 2:15-16
m. Boaz kept his generosity hidden from Ruth, which made her work
in the fields a little easier and allowed her to work with pride while
providing for both Naomi and herself.
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

7. Generous JOB
Besides patience and long-suffering, JOB had another Godly quality,
showing benevolence to the poor! Job 31: 16-22
Tender-Hearted Tabitha
a. Tabitha, also known as Dorcas, was “full of good works and
almdeeds (def:)” Acts 9:36
b. After Tabitha died, Peter and some of the disciples, came to the
place where she was laying in state, where they were shown by the
weeping widows all the coats and garments Tabitha had made for the
poor.
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

8. Mr. Lee Grantham
a. A man who lived in the community of the author of our book, Laurel
S. Sewell
b. The late Mr. Grantham was the neighborhood handyman, who
believed his personal ministry was to take care of the widows and
orphans in his community.
c. He charged modest fees, and would not accept money from widows.
d. According to our author, he was a visible example of, “pure and
undefiled religion” James 1:27
Question: Can you think of anyone (specifically women) who always
has and displays an attitude of benevolence?
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

9. Giving Hospitality
a. Hospitality should be shown to those who can repay as well as those who
cannot!
Luke 14: 12-14
b. We should not expect to be repaid when we extend hospitality to others.
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

10. What Lack I Yet?
a. The lesson makes reference to the wealthy young
man in his desire to be accepted by GOD.
b. He was listening to Jesus teach the crowds about
the kingdom and when Jesus was about to leave,
the young man felt something was missing in his
life.
c. He took the opportunity to speak to Jesus and
asked, “Good Teacher, what shall I do to inherit
eternal life?”
d. Jesus’ answer can be found in Mark 10:17-21!
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

11. Fruits in Keeping with Repentance
John
Luke 3:8
Luke 3: 10-11
Cornelius the Caesarea
Acts 10:2
Paul
Romans 15:25-26
1 John 3:17
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class

12. Questions & Small Group Discussion on pages 66 & 67
A Kind Word – Scriptures to Read – page 60
1 Cor. 13:3
Matt. 5: 38-42
Proverbs 23:13
Proverbs 22:15
THANK YOU!
The Six Gifts of Hospitality by Laurel S. Sewell
Chapter 7: The Gift of Benevolence, Part 1
Wednesday June 30, 2010
Sis. Cynthia Charles
Elysian Fields Church of Christ
Ladies’ Bible Class