Today’s Personal Finance Bible Scripture comes from Luke 6:30.
30Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.
Luke 6:30 (NLT)
This passage is also found in Matthew 5:42.
Jesus tells us to give to anyone who asks of us. The Amplified Bible further clarifies this as those who are in want of necessities. I’m not sure He meant for us to give money to an investment banker who is worth a few million just because he asks. But to anyone who is in need, we are to give—generously, freely, and without condition.
The second part of this verse would have meant more to the Jews at that time. Romans could demand just about anything they wanted from the Jews and there was no legal recourse. Jesus tells His followers that if someones takes away their possessions they are not to demand them back. I don’t know about you, but that would be so far beyond my human nature that I know I couldn’t do it without God working through me.
Jesus’ point here is very clear. We should be generous in our giving and in our forgiving. Living out extraordinary generosity in our lives is a huge testament to the faith and an excellent example for all.
I appreciate how you emphasized “without condition”. This frees us to give as the Lord leads. So often we become aware that what was given was not used wisely and for those situations we need to be cautious (pearls before swine). Without condition enables us to make prayerful gifts of time and money and then go on.
Thanks for your comment, Carol! I guess when I say without condition I don’t mean that we should avoid discernment. I just want to clarify that. Though it does sound like that’s what you mean, too. My intention was that we should give without expecting anything back – no strings. I do not think that Jesus meant we should give without considering the person’s situation and best interests. Check out my article “Should I Give to Everyone Who Asks?” for more on that topic.