Faith | What if we practiced ‘pro bono living’ every day?

Pro bono—”for the good of others.” We often hear this Latin phrase used in the context of lawyers who provide legal counsel free of charge.

The phrase can actually be applied to anyone, professional or otherwise. Pro bono does not pertain to our vocation—what we do for pay, even if it is for the good of others. Rather, it relates to our avocation—what we do without pay ... for the good of others.

Pro bono can be a big-hearted and selfless approach to living in society.

Call it “pro bono living” or living for the good of others. Examples abound. Far and away, the most common demonstration is all the generous volunteering that goes on in ways large and small. But so is shoveling your neighbor’s walk and driveway. Or being patient and kind at the airport or on the plane. Greeting folks while out on a walk. Giving rides to appointments. Listening to someone’s story with your full undivided attention. Making room for others in line or on the roadway. (Note: Giving away tons of free zucchini doesn’t count!)

In truth, pro bono living is probably easier said than done.

It is more than the recent cultural fad of “doing random acts of kindness,” although there’s nothing wrong with that. Pro bono living is more than a series of acts, more than certain behaviors—it is a sustained, intentional lifestyle that is humble and modest, mindful of impact on recipients, truly expecting nothing in return.

Most major religious and cultural traditions promote the virtues and benefits of this life-practice. But, whether due to our insecurity or even greed, it is really hard sometimes to live pro bono.

Ironically, we need to be careful how we live for others in a truly helpful or good manner. In his book, “Help: The Original Human Dilemma” (Harper 2004), Garret Keizer distinguishes our motives to help from our perceptions of another’s need for our help and from the actual impact of that help; in short, we must be careful lest our helpfulness efforts become more about us than about others.

To address concerns about whether our motives are misplaced, or our assumptions are misinformed, or our expectations are selfish, or our practices suffer from “mission-creep,” it behooves each of us to first, do no harm and second, practice the Golden Rule.

“Reading the room” and listening more than talking provides important perspective and orientation to the situation of others. Before engaging, it’s better to ask if something would be helpful rather than assume.

Don’t let the above cautions and counsels scare you away from pro bono living! Lord knows we need such grace and mercy now more than ever.

Expecting everyone to agree on things may be rare as snow in July (at least in the non-mountainous Northern Hemisphere). But expecting to live for the good of others is a universally valued approach that builds and benefits safe, healthy, and functional families, environments, and communities for everyone.

Pro bono, indeed!