Give and Forgive

Matthew 5:42
“Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you.”
Generosity is a huge theme in the bible. It’s so much of the character of God, that He wants to impart to us. It’s a challenge because we have a strong grip on what’s ours.
In the context of the passage, it’s dealing with difficult people. The first ones were those we are inclined to hate. Jesus says to forgive. Two very opposite emotions, both strong.
This is the beginning of the sermon on the mount. A huge event. It’s different than the Old Testament. It dealt with the Law. This is dealing with the heart. We may comply on the outside, but the inside is a different story. This sermon lays that out. It makes all of us guilty.
We need the Lord to forgive. He helps us in many ways. When we come to Christ, He gives us a new nature. His nature. It’s one that wants to do all that Jesus asks. He also helps with His Holy Spirit. He empowers us to obey. It’s still a challenge.
We run across situations that ask us to give or forgive. We might not want to, but we need to die to ourselves. Matthew 16:24 says, ‘Then Jesus told His disciples, “If anyone wants to come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”‘ Deny Himself.
Years ago a gospel track called, “The Four Spiritual Laws” was popular. It illustrated that when we are on the throne of our lives, things are in chaos. However, when Jesus is on the throne there is peace and order. When we forgive we are putting Him on the throne. This is denying ourselves.
Sometimes we need to ask for help. I’m in a situation in which I work daily with one I’m trying to forgive. It’s tough. But God is doing a work. Look at Jesus on the cross. “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” Wow. He could have called down fire and consumed them. No, He forgave.
Lord, help us to give and forgive. Thank You for Your example and thank You for Your help.