What is the meaning of Matthew 5:42? Give “Give…” (Matthew 5:42) sets the tone with an action, not an option. • Generosity is commanded, echoing Luke 6:38: “Give, and it will be given to you.” • It reflects the Father’s heart—John 3:16 shows that God Himself “gave.” • The early church lived this out; Acts 2:45 and Acts 4:34-35 describe believers selling possessions to meet needs. • Paul reinforces the principle in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8—sowing bountifully leads to reaping bountifully. to the one who asks you “…to the one who asks you…” (Matthew 5:42 b) identifies the recipient: anyone who approaches with a need. • Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instructs Israel, “Do not harden your heart… but freely lend him whatever he needs.” • James 2:15-16 warns that goodwill words without tangible help are worthless. • 1 John 3:17 presses the issue further: withholding assistance while claiming love for God is self-contradictory. Practical angle: we cannot meet every want, but Scripture assumes sincerity in the request and our readiness to respond. and do not turn away “…and do not turn away…” (Matthew 5:42 c) forbids disengaging once a need is seen. • Proverbs 3:27-28: “Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due… Do not say to your neighbor, ‘Go and come back…’” • Isaiah 58:7 connects true worship with “not hiding yourself from your own flesh.” • In the parable of the sheep and goats, Matthew 25:45 shows that neglecting the needy equals neglecting Christ Himself. Turning away can happen with our eyes, our schedules, or our excuses; Christ calls us to face need head-on. from the one who wants to borrow from you “…from the one who wants to borrow from you.” (Matthew 5:42 d) brings lending into focus. • Exodus 22:25 forbids charging interest to the poor among God’s people, underscoring compassion over profit. • Psalm 37:26 praises the righteous: “They are ever generous and lend freely.” • Luke 6:34-35 reiterates Jesus’ call to lend “expecting nothing in return,” trusting God for reward. Wisdom is not discarded—Proverbs 11:15 warns against reckless pledges—but stewardship never overrides Christlike mercy. The faithful heart weighs need, prays, and then errs on the side of kindness. summary Matthew 5:42 commands tangible, open-handed love. We actively give, respond to those who ask, refuse to dodge need, and lend without self-protection. Such generosity mirrors our Father, fulfills the law of love, and demonstrates the kingdom ethic Jesus came to establish. |
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