Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back. … And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners, to get back the same amount. But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, for he is kind to the ungrateful and the evil.
Luke 6:30, 34-35
Give and loan freely to whoever asks of you, expecting nothing back from them. The distinctive aspect of how believers are supposed to model giving is to go outside the normal boundaries of the culture; to willingly give to those who would be considered unlikely recipients: those who can’t repay, even those who could be considered enemies.
This is not a practice for the faint of heart. Giving as God intends requires mettle and resolve. This is not “feel-good” giving. In fact, this type of giving can hurt because it seems so contrary to common sense.
Why should I give to those whom are unable to repay? Why should I give generously to those who could be considered adversarial?
- Because this type of intentional giving is what is expected of us by God.
- Because everything we have is temporary at best.
- Because everything we have has been provided by God, so why should we hold back what has been freely given to us?
- Because believers are supposed to be distinctive in this world, not to follow the conventions of the existing culture.
- Because God is kind to the ungrateful and evil, and our goal is to be like him, and to exemplify his character of compassion in this world.
Giving in this manner has a promise of reward: you will be considered a child of the Most High.
I can think of no higher honor or greater decoration to be bestowed upon us.
The Core of the Bible 