What do you do when someone you do not like, or even an enemy to you, comes to and asks for a loan. What would be the best way to handle this situation?
Fortunately, Jesus has already answered this question.
"And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked." Luke 6:34-35.
These are the words of Jesus on the subject of lending money.
Jesus reaches the highest standard, not of business, social norms, or status but of Godlike love.
- If they are a bad risk, just give them the money.
- If they are too poor to pay back, then just give them the money
- If they are underemployed, just give them the money.
- If they hurt you in the past just give them the money.
WITHOUT EXPECTATION
Do not keep records or watch for it to come back. In simple words, forget about it. This attitude is liberating.
THE VIEW OF WHO
Take the view that it is not a loan to the needy person but a gift to God, who is that person's Creator and redeemer.
WHY DID GOD GIVE IT TO US?
WHY DID GOD GIVE IT TO US?
God gives us money and wealth not to become more prosperous but to be stewards of his gifts. We become better, nobler, and more like him through that stewardship. Jesus said our reward will be that we become children of the Most High so we may become Godly and righteous.
THE GREATER REWARD
We do not know what or where that reward will be, here and now or later in heaven. It may be material, social, spiritual, or something else. But we are assured by the Lord himself that whatever that reward will be, it will be great.
Do not try to make money by lending; instead, seek God's favor by freely giving it away.
Grace and Peace
©A.E. Dozat
12/23/24
