What Jesus Did! 'Benevolent Compassion' — Matthew 5:42

Thursday, March 4, 2021

[Jesus continued:] "Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow."
— Matthew 5:42 NLT

Key Thought

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus challenges us to a way of life that does not reflect conventional thinking. These radical challenges should not be read legalistically. At the same time, we must hear Jesus' imploring us to live by a Kingdom family ethic toward others so that we can be powerful witnesses in a world so self-absorbed. Letting someone take financial advantage of us is not Jesus' intention. (There certainly are other passages in the New Testament that help us understand this principle. For example, we are to be faithful stewards, Matthew 25:21.) Jesus definitely wants us to be incredibly generous with others. We must refuse to put our personal possessions above the needs of others. Our citizenship in God's Kingdom should be the primary consideration determining what we do to help, how we help, and how much we give up to help, remembering that Jesus left heaven and gave his life for us. But clearly, our lifestyle should be one of blessing and helping and giving, not judging and criticizing and hoarding.

Today's Prayer

Sacrificial Father, you gave so much for me so that I could be your child. Please help me see people through your eyes, with your truth and compassion. I want to be a source of blessing in what I say and do. Grow my generosity so others may see your grace in me and give you the glory. In the name of your most precious gift, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • 1 John 3:16-18
  • Jas. 2:15-17

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Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 5:42 NLT — [Jesus continued:] "Give to those who ask, and don't turn away from those who want to borrow."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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