How can we practically "give to the one who asks" in daily life? The Call to Open-Handed Living “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42) Jesus’ words are plain. He is not offering a suggestion but issuing a command to live generously and without resentment. Checking the Heart • Remember the Source: “Every good and perfect gift is from above” (James 1:17). Everything we possess is on loan from God. • Guard against excuses: “Do not withhold good from the needy when it is in your power to act” (Proverbs 3:27). • Cultivate compassion: “Whoever has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart—how does the love of God abide in him?” (1 John 3:17). Practical Ways to Give to the One Who Asks • Money for immediate needs – Keep a small “ready-to-give” envelope in the car or wallet. – Set aside a predetermined portion of each paycheck for spontaneous giving. • Groceries and meals – Buy an extra bag of staples each grocery trip for someone in need. – Invite a struggling family for a home-cooked dinner. • Time and presence – Offer to watch a single parent’s children so they can rest or run errands. – Sit and listen to an elderly neighbor who craves conversation. • Skills and abilities – Use trade skills (plumbing, carpentry, tutoring) to serve those who cannot afford professional help. – Help a job seeker polish a résumé or practice interview questions. • Transportation – Give rides to medical appointments or church events. – Lend a reliable vehicle, clearly communicating boundaries. • Encouragement and resources – Share biblical counsel and uplifting Scripture (e.g., Psalm 34:18, Philippians 4:19). – Loan quality Christian books or study materials. Guardrails of Wisdom and Stewardship • Pray for discernment (James 1:5). The Lord can reveal genuine need versus manipulation. • Involve others when the request is large. “Plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisers they succeed” (Proverbs 15:22). • Maintain accountability in family finances: spouses decide together. • Offer alternatives when cash is unwise: food, bus pass, or bill payment direct to vendor. • Set healthy limits: saying yes to everyone without prayer creates burnout and poor stewardship (1 Corinthians 4:2). Motivation Rooted in Christ • Reflect the Father’s generosity: “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good” (Matthew 5:45). • Imitate Jesus, who “though He was rich, yet for your sake became poor” (2 Corinthians 8:9). • Give cheerfully, not under compulsion: “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Trust God’s provision: “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things, at all times, having all you need, you will abound in every good work” (2 Corinthians 9:8). |
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