This section of the Bible is well known for teaching the “golden rule”: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.” And today’s verse, “Give, and it will be given to you,” is often used for fund-raising campaigns at churches and in personal finance classes.
But there’s really much more to Jesus’ teaching here. Look at everything Jesus is saying. The context of this teaching involves giving money away to enemies and willingly letting cruel people take your possessions from you. It’s about letting go of material things. It’s really about giving away your life.
My neighbor has a garden, and the rabbits and deer come and feed there. I get upset on her behalf, and I sometimes offer to take strong measures against those creatures. She shrugs and refuses, saying, “Well, they have to eat too.”
She has chosen a happier approach. We spend so much time and energy protecting ourselves and making our life “happy”—mostly for ourselves.
In effect, Jesus is saying, “Give yourself, your faith, your witness, and even your money away.” Give, and keep giving of yourself—and the happiness of the kingdom of heaven will be given you.
This is a difficult task. Have you tried it?
Lord, I’m not sure I can really do this. I pray you will enable me to trust you and that you will give me wisdom, and also your mighty strength, so I can be a giver, to your glory. Amen.
About the author — Keith Mannes
Keith Mannes serves as pastor at Highland Christian Reformed Church in McBain, Michigan. Keith and his wife, Alicia, recently celebrated their 20th wedding anniversary,
and they are thankful for their three children—Eben, Charis, and Breanna.
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