Give to those who ask

“Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow.” Matthew 5:42 NLT

One of Jesus’ teachings in His Sermon on the Mount is to give to those who ask. Our world in 2024 has changed from Jesus’ day, but one thing remains true we still have the poor among us. Jesus predicted this in Mark 14:7 when He said, “You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to.” (nlt) We certainly have plenty of opportunity to give to the poor when they ask. But this is not limited only to the poor. For if anyone has need of anything and asks, Jesus tells us to give it to them. Even those who want to borrow from us, it is not for us to say no. Jesus said, let them borrow.

Christ followers are to obey His teachings, which are really commands from our Lord. Will that subject us to be taken advantage of by being deceived by some? Yes, that is very possible. But Jesus said to give to those who ask. The Lord is judge and He will weigh the balances. When it is in our control to give or lend to someone that we have no reason to suspect, we are to follow our Lord’s commands. Christians are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, to give as we have received.

Jesus also said later in that sermon, “Store your treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal.” (Mt.6:20 nlt) Giving to those in need, whether the poor, or a friend or stranger who needs a helping hand is storing up treasures in heaven. It is investing in the Lord’s work with a guaranteed return both here on earth and in heaven. Let us not neglect the Lord’s work and give to those who ask.