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

Tuesday, March 4, 2025

[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

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

5 Related Resources by Heartlight

Exercising the Spirit: Generosity
Article by Scott Owings
How can being generous grow our spirits? The spiritual discipline of generosity is crucial if we are going to grow in the spirit.
Hardly a Hero
Article by Rubel Shelly
Come on, we can hold up someone better than this as a hero! Rubel Shelly takes a high profile piece in the news and reminds all who the real heroes are among us.
What if We Did What Jesus Said?
Article by Tom Norvell
Can you imagine what would happen if we really obeyed Jesus? Jesus commanded us to act in certain ways toward others, especially when people mistreat us; what would happen if we really did obey him?
Revenge or Kindness
Article by Alan Smith
Is revenge really so satisfying? Is it better to live with the philosophy of eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth or to practice forgiveness and kindness?
See All 5 Related Resources about Matthew 5:42

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."

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Tuesday, March 4, 2025

Passion for Praise
A daily passage of Scripture emphasizing praise to our God.
'Your Messengers' (Ps. 104:1,)
"Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! ... The winds are your messengers, flames of fire are your servant."
A Year with Jesus
A devotional to help reclaim Jesus as the daily Lord of our lives.
'Arrested to Serve and to Save'
"Dear Disciple, Paul's long anticipated return to Jerusalem finally happened. He arrived in Jerusalem accompanied by Christians from the churches in....."
Daily Wisdom
A daily devotional featuring wise counsel found in Scripture.
Philippians 1:27
"Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ."
God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Spirit-Guided' (Ac. 16:6-7)
"Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia..."

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.

More What Jesus Did!