How does this verse connect with Jesus' teachings on giving in Matthew 5:42? The Shared Call in Both Verses • “Kindness to the poor is a loan to the LORD, and He will repay the lender.” (Proverbs 19:17) • “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42) Both commands flow from the same divine heartbeat: open-handed, no-strings-attached generosity that trusts God to settle the accounts. How the Old Testament Verse Prepares the Way for Jesus’ Words • Same audience of need: the poor, the borrower, the one who “asks.” • Same posture: an “open hand” (Deuteronomy 15:8) becomes Jesus’ “give.” No wiggling out by excuses or delay. • Same promise: Proverbs highlights God’s repayment; Jesus implies the Father’s reward (Matthew 6:4). Faith fuels the gift. • Same moral logic: withholding aid equals shutting off love (cf. Leviticus 25:35-37; 1 John 3:17). Kingdom Priorities Jesus Makes Explicit • Love overrides self-protection (Matthew 5:38-42). Generosity is the practical face of enemy-love. • Rights are gladly surrendered; possessions become tools, not treasures (Matthew 6:19-21). • Giving is an act of witness: the Father is lavish; His children reflect that character (Luke 6:35-36). Motives that Keep the Command Fresh • Gratitude: He first “gave” Himself (John 3:16; 2 Corinthians 8:9). • Trust: “My God will supply all your needs” (Philippians 4:19). • Joy: “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). Practical Ways to Walk It Out • Budget generosity first, not last—tithe, offerings, spontaneous almsgiving. • Keep a ready reserve (cash, gift cards, time) specifically earmarked for those who ask. • Lend tools or funds without clutching for control; if repayment fails, release it as a gift (Luke 6:34-35). • Pair generosity with discernment—meeting genuine need, not enabling harm (Proverbs 3:27). • Involve family or small group so giving becomes a shared celebration of God’s faithfulness. The Payoff God Promises • Divine repayment (Proverbs 19:17) may come as provision, peace, or eternal reward (Matthew 6:20). • A testimony that makes the gospel believable (Matthew 5:16). • Growing likeness to Christ, the ultimate Giver (Ephesians 5:1-2). |
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