We’ve had a dry spring here at Vanaprastha; the vegetation would benefit from soaking rains. Thanks be to God, last week we received two inches. Yesterday, we benefited from our church community’s services and potluck at Trinity, our historical site in Crimora, and today commemorate the benefits received from those who served our country. Memorial Day. And, lest we not forget the great benefit we reap through faith.

The Benefit of Faith

But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life. Romans 6:22 NIV

A few years ago, Keith and I uncharacteristically overslept. Sunday morning, 7AM, and we had 45 minutes to scurry around and get ready. As we drove to church that morning, I thought about the benefit of oversleeping, how an awareness of the finiteness of time focused us on what we valued, beyond the essentials of cleanliness, presentability, and tending dogs. What else did we value? For Keith, it was taking a few moments to make the bed; for me, coffee; for both of us, church. Because it is in community that our faith is affirmed. 

As Paul states in Romans 6:22, we benefit greatly when freed from sin so we can devote ourselves to God. Devotion, holiness, sanctification, good fruit, good character, and actions as modeled by Jesus. And the ultimate benefit: a secure future of eternal life with Him. This wise decision changes our lives later and now.

The Benefit of Wisdom

Those who are kind benefit themselves, but the cruel bring ruin on themselves. Proverbs 11:17 NIV

My word for 2026 is kindness, and today’s word is benefit. How fortunate to stumble upon this verse in Proverbs that joins the two. 

Kindness is a benefit because it acts like a boomerang. Showing grace to others fosters peace outwardly in community and inwardly in ourselves. But, as with many verses in Proverbs, the opposite is also the case. Cruelty drives people away, leading to isolation, bitterness, and self-destruction. How we treat others shapes our own destiny. There is the benefit of wisdom, if we choose to follow the advice.

The Benefit of God’s Grace

Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— Psalm 103:2 NIV

It is raining again today, Memorial Day, and although that will spoil outside celebrations, we are grateful for this great benefit. In Psalm 103:2, King David tells us that we must remember, actively and intentionally, the good things God has done for us. Instead of taking God’s grace for granted, which we often do, we must not forget to praise, worship, and give Him thanks.

The Hebrew word for “forget” also means “ignore” or “cease to care about.” Ingratitude for His gracious goodness, His benefits. And what are they? Forgiveness, healing, redemption, love, mercy, satisfaction. Rain. 

May we not forget to bless the Lord, all our souls. For what was, is, and is to come. Happy Memorial Day.

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