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Some commentators cannot understand why Jesus places this example with the
other three, as it does not seem to show having a good attitude under trial.
However, having a godly attitude in parting with what we hold dear can be a test
for us as well. The parallel scripture in Luke 6:30 shows that it follows the pattern of the previous
illustrations: "Give to everyone who asks of you. And from him who takes away
your goods do not ask them back."
Many believe that what Jesus requires here is foolish, that is, to give to
everyone who asks of us and to allow our goods to be plundered without
objection. Perhaps Luke 6:34-35 helps to clarify what Jesus intends:
And if you lend to those from whom you hope
to receive back, what credit is that to you? For even sinners lend to sinners to
receive as much back. But love
your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward
will be great, and you will be sons of the Highest. For He is kind to the
unthankful and evil.
His illustration in Matthew 5:42 deals with borrowing and lending, not with
allowing oneself to be plundered. As in the other illustrations, His primary
point is that it is preferable to suffer loss or harm than to retaliate or
worsen the situation. When we give to someone in need, we should not expect to
be repaid for our generosity, and we should certainly not take steps to force
reimbursement. Christian charity should be done without expectation of gain.
Yet, God
sees, and He will show us favor: "He who has pity on the poor lends to the
LORD, and He will
pay back what he has given" (Proverbs 19:17).
If a person asks for a loan of money or goods, we should approach the request
assuming that he makes it in good faith,
if there are no extenuating reasons to doubt his sincerity. We should, however,
keep in mind other principles from God's Word, such as being good stewards of
what God has given us, taking care of our own, not encouraging laziness or
sustaining the idle, not supporting vices (alcohol, drugs, or other addictions),
and not being a party to shady or dubious get-rich-quick schemes. Jesus'
suggestion is that, if we do lend to others, we might as well consider that
money to be gone forever. The struggle to regain it will probably not be worth
the effort, not to mention the damage it could do to relationships and one's
character.
In short, what does His final illustration require of us? It asks of us, not
only that we should lend without suspicion and with no eye to profit, but that
we also should have a generous spirit of outgoing concern for a brother or
sister in need.
— John O. Reid
To learn more, see:
Go the Extra Mile
Related Topics:
Borrowing and Lending
Charity
Going the Extra Mile
Poor, Pitying the
Stewardship
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