Insightful Musings on the Scriptures

by

Raymond P. Sparre
Northwest University class of '67

Good day, special ones.

I just returned from a doctor’s appointment. Now back to the grind…solving problems and coordinating work. I’m sure my list will keep me hopping this afternoon right up till dark. Thankfully the weather looks like it will be cooperating. When I left this morning to join in rush-hour traffic it was pouring.

Have a great rest of your day. Blessings.

Love, Dad/Ray.

This is what I would call a PROBLEM TEXT. I’ve spent a good deal of time struggling with it over the years, having lived cross-culturally where, if I followed this statement as broad brush guide for behavior, I know I would end up with being ripped off and left with absolutely nothing—maybe less than nothing. That can hardly be a wise approach to stewardship.

A couple of comments on the context might be helpful. Notice the two main ideas on either side of this statement by Jesus. (1) This paragraph begins with identifying the kind of people Jesus is talking about. They are “your enemies” and “those who hate you” and “those who curse you” and “those who mistreat you” (6:27-28). Interesting. So in the course of doing business or whatever with this kind of people and you have no means for proper arbitration in gaining justice and equity, write it off—don’t worry about it. Just maintain the foundation of love—“Love your enemies.” (2) The paragraph ends with the “GOLDEN RULE.” “Do to others as you would have them do to you” (6:31). OK, I don’t really want to rip anyone off—and I don’t want to be ripped off.

I’d like to pick up on this area of thought and offer some ideas relative to giving in general. I’ve come up with a simple checklist of three conditions for general giving. (1) I must try to determine if this is a legitimate need. Not everyone who asks for help has a legitimate need. I’ve been around my share of con artists who live not by honest work and responsibility but by milking others of their graciousness. I am absolutely convinced that I am not rendering any good service to others by giving or lending in those cases. I believe I do more harm than good if I recognize that the “help” given promotes and perpetuates irresponsibility. (2) I must determine that I have ample to give. It’s crazy to be giving away what I need to meet my own obligations. (3) I must determine that my motive is LOVE—a genuine interest in the ultimate good of others.

This may not be very “devotional,” but I think it is practical, balanced, reasonable, and Biblical.