relatives, or your wealthy neighbors. For surely they will also invite you in return, and
you will be repaid. When you give a feast, invite instead the poor, the crippled, the lame
and the blind. Fortunate are you then, because they cannot repay you. You will be
repaid at the resurrection of the upright.”
Reflect
They say that it takes money to make money and that is often the case. Certainly, it’s
easy to give to those who can reciprocate. We celebrate with people who can invite us
back. We exchange presents with people who already have more than they can use. We
loan money to those we are certain will be able to repay us. None of those things is bad
in itself. It’s laudable to spend time with and care for those we love, those with whom we
share ties of family and friendship.
But Jesus calls us to a different standard. He asks us to extend our welcome and our care
to those who can’t help us, to those whose need is greatest. Our kindness and generosity
may not be reciprocated, but that is precisely the point. Jesus asks us to give as he gives,
selflessly reaching out to meet the needs that exist, not in hope of any reward. May we be
blessed with opportunities to serve.
© Copyright Bible Diary 2023