One of the most famous penny-pinchers in English literature is Ebenezer Scrooge in Charles Dickens’s novel A Christmas Carol. Through a dream on Christmas Eve, however, he was transformed into a generous and cheerful man. How? The Ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future showed him moments from his life that gave him an accurate perspective on what kind of man he really was. They also issued him an urgent invitation to change his ways.
Generosity and justice are linked in God’s eyes. The old way, lex talionis, an “eye for eye, tooth for tooth,” represented a human kind of justice (v. 38; Exod. 21:23–25). As we’ve seen already in His teachings, Jesus raises the bar. Rather than exchanging tit for tat, we are to respond to our adversary with extravagant, unreasonable love or generosity (vv. 39–42).
That means if someone slaps you in anger, you will offer the other cheek instead of responding in kind. (This is not referring to a violent attack or habitual abuse.) If someone sues you for your shirt, offer your coat as well. If a Roman soldier forced you to carry their gear for one mile, you were to go the extra mile despite their being the hated conquerors. These examples, like Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness (Matt. 18:21–22), are meant to shock us. We’re being asked to give up our right to get even (1 Cor. 6:7). All this is faith-inspired generosity: “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you” (v. 42; Ps. 112:5).
Followers of Christ should not worry about keeping score, because we’re trusting in God. In His strength, we can overcome evil with good; He will take any revenge that’s needed (Rom. 12:20–21; see also Prov 25:21–22).
Go Deeper
What is your response to this lesson? Does Jesus mean we should let ourselves be taken advantage of? When, how, or why?
Pray with Us
Lord Jesus, You have shown us extravagant, unreasonable love through Your death on the cross. “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Rom. 5:8). Show us who we can love generously!
Give to the one who asks you.Matthew 5:42
DAILY DEVOTIONS, NEWS AND INFORMATION 