Luke 6:34 "And if you lend money only to those who can repay you, what good is that? Even sinners will lend to their own kind for a full return."
Jesus is speaking to a large crowd (we now refer to this as the Sermon on the Mount) and he suggests lending to people even if they cannot repay. This sermon is full of revolutionary ideas and this may be one of the craziest. I'm all for loving my enemies and forgiving others, but the idea of lending to someone I know may not be able to repay me is tough. I'm happy to give (and do) but this verse is nuts!
Do we think this way? Do I think this way? I'd be happier to give someone the money and not even ask for it back. Is that what Jesus is getting at? Or is he suggesting a bank should loan people money and not worry about receiving payment back? If that is the case, there would be no banks within a few months! Or am I being too cynical? I guess I need to take Jesus at his word and be willing to lend or give generously.
Dear Jesus, help me be more open handed with time, energy and resources. Amen.
