Expect No Repayment for Loans

The Point of the Gospel

The Sermon on the Mount con’t

An Eye for an Eye

{Matthew} Jesus continued teaching. “It was said an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, but I tell you, do not oppose an evil person.” {Matthew, Luke} “Should someone strike your right cheek, turn your left to him as well. And if someone sues you for your tunic, also give him your cloak. If someone forces you to go one mile with him, go two. Give to the one who asks you for something and don’t turn away from any who want to borrow from you.”

Personal Thought: how many of us are taught these days that to be meek or to let people borrow from you is stupid or naïve? Luke goes on to say lend without expecting repayment, which certainly takes out the angst about wondering if you’ll get paid back. If the loan is repaid, it’s just a nice bonus to having done something to help someone.

Love Your Enemies

{Luke} “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” {Matthew, Luke} Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you.” {Matthew} Your Father in heaven causes the sun to rise and sends the rain on the evil and the good alike.” {Matthew, Luke} “If you love only those who love you, that’s no credit to you. Don’t sinners do the same?” {Matthew} If you greet only your brother, how are you doing more than the pagan?”

{Luke} “If you are good to those good to you in return or lend to people from whom you expect repayment, you receive no credit. Even sinners do so. Love your enemies by being good to them and lending to them without expecting anything back. Your reward will be great and you will be sons of the Most High for being kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.” {Matthew, Luke} “Be merciful as your Father is merciful.”

Personal Thought: a philosophy we as a nation seldom endorse let alone practice and a good barometer by which to judge our actions rather than other people’s. On the other hand, constantly bailing people out from trouble enables them to continue their irresponsible behavior. Where’s the line between being kind to someone and holding them accountable for their actions for their own welfare? Not easy teachings.