This Week’s Biblical Lesson: Living for the Benefit of Others

“Just as the rivers do not drink their own water but flow for others’ benefit, just as fruit-bearing trees do not eat their own fruit but bear it for others, and just as clouds do not drink their own rain but shower it down for others, so saintly devotees live simply for others.” – English translation of a Sanskrit proverb and sometimes contributed to the late Pope Francis

This beautiful proverb calls us to reflect on the selfless nature of creation, which mirrors the biblical calling to live lives of service and generosity. Scripture consistently reveals that God’s design for humanity includes loving others, sharing blessings, and glorifying Him through selfless acts. Let us draw lessons from this teaching in light of God’s Word.

1. God’s Design: A Selfless Creation

The proverb begins by highlighting that elements of creation—rivers, trees, and clouds—exist not for themselves but to benefit others. In the same way, God has designed us to live in loving fellowship with one another:

• Romans 12:10: “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
• Philippians 2:3-4: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Lesson: Just as creation fulfills its purpose through selflessness, we are called to reflect the character of our Creator by living for others. Love and humility are the foundation of this calling.

2. Bearing Fruit for the Glory of God

The fruit-bearing tree in the proverb reminds us of our role as fruitful servants of God. We bear spiritual fruit not for our own sake but to bring blessing to others and glorify Him:

• Galatians 5:22-23: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”
• John 15:8: “This is to my Father’s glory, that you bear much fruit, showing yourselves to be my disciples.”

Lesson: Our lives should manifest the fruits of the Spirit, serving as a testimony to God’s goodness and a blessing to those around us. Spiritual fruit is not merely for our growth but for the enrichment of our communities.

3. Generosity Reflects God’s Love

The clouds in the proverb symbolize generosity, showering blessings upon others without self-interest. This parallels the biblical principle of giving selflessly:

• Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.”
• Proverbs 11:25: “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”

Lesson: True generosity reflects the heart of God. When we bless others without expecting anything in return, we embody His unconditional love and experience the joy of giving.

4. Living Simply for Others

The closing sentiment of the proverb reminds us of the way saintly devotees dedicate their lives to the service of others. Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of this:

• Matthew 20:26-28: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
• Acts 20:35: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”

Lesson: A life dedicated to serving others mirrors the example set by Jesus. When we live simply and place others’ needs above our own, we draw closer to the heart of God.

Practical Application

• Embrace selflessness: Reflect on how you can serve others in your daily life, whether through kindness, encouragement, or tangible support.
• Cultivate spiritual fruit: Ask the Holy Spirit to help you bear fruit that blesses others and glorifies God.
• Practice generosity: Look for opportunities to share your time, resources, and love with those in need.
• Follow Jesus’ example: Seek to live a life modeled on Christ’s humility and service, striving to be a vessel of His love to those around you.

Conclusion: Just as rivers flow, trees bear fruit, and clouds rain to benefit others, we too are designed by God to live lives of service, generosity, and love. By dedicating ourselves to selflessness, we reflect His divine nature, bless the world, and fulfill His purpose for our lives. Through Christ, we can live simply for others and discover the true joy of serving Him through our acts of love. 💕✌️🙏