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Originally Posted by Kim G  Quote:
Originally Posted by christiana I believe it is wrong to just have an open hand to anyone asking but we are to be wise and discerning and to know that what we offer is used responsibly! | That is what my reason says as well. But that's not what these verses say. The previous verses say that if someone strikes me, let them strike me again. If someone takes my coat, give them my shirt too. If someone steals from me, don't ask for your goods back. These things do not sound reasonable or wise, but they are what Christ preached.
So what am I missing?  |
Many of the posts here make excellent points however I do share your concerns that certain commandments of our Lord tend to be ignored or explained away beacuse they do not seem sensible to us. There is a similiar problem with the teaching that we should turn the other cheek and willingly give our goods to thieves.
Perhaps these statements are similiar to the quotes from the early parts of Matthew that if we sin we will go to Hell and that looking at a women with desire is the same as physical adultry. These statements are to drive home the verdict of the law and the impossibility of us earning merit with God. If we ever rely on our conduct rather than grace we are lost.
What we should never be is satisfied with our giving or our generosity, it is never enough and we should resist self justification. After all the Lord should have first call on our private property.
I write this in my nice house, by my nice car, on my nice computer and with as much food as I could possibly want having just spent £100 on frivolous items while others starve.