Not a doctrine you hear much about. In fact, disinterested benevolence is a phrase that struggled to survive the last century. But it's a wonderful doctrine and a most attractive attribute of Jesus.

At first it may sound negative. Disinterested. Who would want to be disinterested, to have a lack of interest, to be bored? But that's not the disinterest we're talking about.

Maybe the second word in the phrase will help us better understand. Benevolence—the disposition of doing good or being generous. Disinterested—to be unbiased or free from selfish motive. Now let's put them together: Disinterested benevolence is to have the disposition of doing good or being generous without any bias or selfish motive.

Jesus illustrated this doctrine when He told the story of the Good Samaritan. His act of generosity and kindness had no ulterior motive or selfish ambition. There was no consideration given to the fact that the victim was a Jew. Nor did there appear to be any concern for personal safety—at least not to the point of changing his disposition to do good. In addition, the Good Samaritan's act of kindness was done at personal financial loss. He, in effect, wrote a blank check to the innkeeper for the victim's care and expenses.

Let's take this a bit further. There was no thought as to whether or not the victim would repay. Not even an intimation that the Good Samaritan secretly hoped the victim might renounce his faith and heritage and become a Samaritan.

Do you know people who do good with the intent to gain something from the act? How do you feel when you learn that someone gave you a gift or invitation with the purpose of gaining your influence or to tip the balance of indebtedness or obligation in their favor? Used—that's how I feel.

Consider Christ's many generous acts of healing, feeding, befriending, casting out demons, raising the dead, etc. To coin another phrase, they were random acts of kindness. They were specific and tailored for each individual, but they were random in the sense that they were freely given with no strings attached. Every person Jesus encountered was a candidate for His kingdom, but the acts of kindness He bestowed were freely given without regard to their response.

God is generous because, well, because He is generous. It's His disposition. He sends the rain for the just and the unjust. He is no respecter of persons, has no ulterior motive, and extends grace to us because, well, because He is gracious.

His true disciples follow His example and embrace this special attribute of His character. They are kind to the mean, generous to the stingy, and forgiving to those who seek revenge. They serve their neighbors and community because, well, because they are servants.

So, next time you are inclined to do something good—to be generous or kind—try being disinterested.

How about really putting this doctrine to the test? Next time you make a donation, try being disinterested in whether or not your contribution will add to your own comfort or prestige. Now that would be disinterested benevolence!

Gary Burns is the Lake Union Conference communication director.