Matthew 5:40-42 (New King James Version)
40 If anyone wants to sue you and take away your tunic, let him have your cloak also. 41 And whoever compels you to go one mile, go with him two. 42 Give to him who asks you, and from him who wants to borrow from you do not turn away.
My conviction based on this passage is to give to anyone and everyone who asks of me. This is a hardline approach, but that’s the kind of guy Jesus is. His words are crystal clear, “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.”
Jesus doesn’t put any provisions or conditions on this principle. They ask, we give. Black and white, plain and simple.
I know the objections that are mulling in your mind. “But what if they use the money to buy boos, or drugs, or a copy of The Shack.”
Well, first of all you cannot control other people’s actions. Neither can you always accurately judge others motivations. Your responsibility as a disciple of Christ is to give. What they do with it is on them.
Even if their motivation is to take advantage of you, you are still to give in love. In fact, we are called to give above and beyond what they ask.
“And if someone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. If someone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.”
I am by no means a perfect practitioner of this principle. My heart is to give unto the Lord. However, I sometimes miss opportunities, and other times I act out of legalism and not love. My heart is to consistently apply this command of Christ in a loving, cheerful manner.
This principle, I believe, encompasses everything from the homeless guy begging on the street to the girl scout selling outrageously overpriced cookies at my door.
Give to everyone who asks. Give more than they ask, and do more than they require. Such is the job description of every follower of Christ.
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