GIVE TO HIM THAT ASKETH THEE

In the face of widespread poverty, colossal natural disasters, and the ravages of war, the world cries out for relief. Various charitable organizations do their best to meet the pressing needs of the globe’s suffering and indigent peoples. Through­out history, professing Christians have been in the vanguard of philanthropic endeavours. The early church took the needs of widows, orphans, and poor people seriously, Acts 4. 32-37; 6. 1-7; 11. 27-30; Jas. 1. 27. Many familiar hospitals and univer­sities were founded by believers for the benefit of mankind, as well as for the advancement of the gospel. Similarly, homeless shelters, orphanages, nursing homes, and care for the physi­cally disabled all are areas of service where Christians have taken the lead. Names like Muller, Booth, and Barnardo are synonymous with ameliorating the ills of the hurting.

Because the Lord Jesus was the consummate gift-giver, it should come as no surprise that His followers are so involved in giving. He is the standard by which all giving is judged, as Paul points out: ‘For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich’, 2 Cor. 8. 9; see also Rom. 8. 32. Believers have received so much in Christ that they should quickly learn to carry out His charge, ‘Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away’, Matt. 5. 42. The boundless generosity of God teaches the Christian to be a benefactor of the needy.

The command goes beyond those who are considered most deserving and extends to those who merely ask. The borrower may possess more material goods than the believer; neverthe­less, the latter should respond joyfully, Acts 20. 35. The Christian should hold the physical things of this world lightly, regarding his possessions as a stewardship for the glory of God. Give with­out hesitation is the maxim by which the Lord calls saints to live. Just as He freely gave up His life to benefit others, so His children ought to lay down their lives for their brethren and for the lost. Thus, they show the munificence of the One who daily cares for them in all material and spiritual things.