Luke 6: 27 – 38
Nobody likes to be taken advantage of. But it happens. Our church has a free lunch every Saturday, primarily for the benefit of homeless and low- income folks. Along with lunch, discarded packaged food from local stores is dispensed. It’s crazy sometimes, with people shoving and grabbing stuff, sneaking in to get more, and stealing other’s food. And check this out: Some would even take the food back to the stores it came from for money!
We have also given out quite a bit of money and time to refugees and people in need with not even as much as a “thank you” from them as they flew out the door. I once even followed a guy and watched him buy beer with money I gave him for bus fare.
Why do we do it? In the verses for today, Jesus never said that we would be appreciated by those we help. In fact, we should expect to be taken advantage of. But God does appreciate us, and reward us (v. 35-38).
Reaching out to people in Christ’s love makes you vulnerable. You are a prime target for being taken advantage of. But it’s not our responsibility what another person does with the food, money or any service that we give. It’s not up to us to make sure it all “evens out” in the end. God says give it to them. And do it in the name of Jesus. That’s why we do it. And that’s why anyone should do these things.
Something I greatly admire in sub-culture people, is the desire to promote justice and fair treatment of people. Helping the poor, hungry, homeless and helpless. Part of the founding on the “punk” movement was working to help provide for such people. Though I don’t agree with everything in it, the modern anarchism movement is active in this. And I appreciate that.
Not only are these just nice things to do, they are Christ-like qualities: Loving our neighbors, giving to the poor and feeding the hungry. But we shouldn’t expect repayment from them for it. Don’t base your giving and service on people’s reactions. Base it on God. When you think or say “I’m doing this for God”, well, that’s what it should mean. Expect to be taken advantage of, but expect God to bless your service to him.
Give, and give thanks for the opportunity to do so! - Richard M.