Today’s scripture: Luke 6:27-31 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Vivian Wyatt):
Jesus gives lots of instructions in this passage: love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you. He talks about turning the other cheek when hit, and giving the person who takes your coat your shirt as well. I was with him and even nodding my head in agreement until I came to “give to everyone who begs from you.”
Really, Jesus? Not just to the young woman who is raising money to go on a missions trip, but even to that guy with the dirty clothes, unwashed hair, and stinking of booze?
All of the situations Jesus mentions in this passage go against human nature. It is not in our nature to love our enemies, to pray for those who abuse us, or to turn the other cheek when someone strikes us. It certainly isn’t in our nature to GIVE to everyone who begs from us. In fact, this hits us squarely where we live — in our pocketbooks! (Maybe this is why I have the hardest time with this one!) Aren’t we also told to be as gentle as doves but as wise as serpents? How wise is it to give to everyone who asks?
I find it very interesting that this passage closes out with what was once called the Golden Rule:
Do to others as you would have them do to you.
That is,treat others the way you would want to be treated. So is Jesus saying treat beggars the way you would want to be treated, if you were a beggar? Give because you would want someone to give to you?
I have worked out “my own golden rule” when it comes to being generous to those who appear to be less fortunate than I am. I began to notice, over the years, that I could walk or drive by some people who were asking for money and not feel any motivation to help out, but other times I would feel this urge or compulsion to give. So now if I feel that urge to give (and I believe it’s God) I don’t worry or wonder what that person is going to do with the money. I feel that I need to do what God encourages me to do and what they do with the money is between them and God. I may be taken in sometimes, but if I just help some that really need it, it would be worth it.
Is this the answer for everyone? Of course not, this works for me. But I do encourage you to think about what Jesus is saying in this passage and try to figure out what it means to you.
Prayer for the day: God, let me take the time to hear what you are saying when I am approached by someone asking for money. Let me see you in them, but more importantly let them see you in me. Amen.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.