Lend When There Is Nothing to Receive

"Do to others as you would have others do to you. If you love only those who love you, what kind of graciousness is yours? Even sinners love those who love them. If you do favors to those who are good to you, what kind of graciousness is yours? Even sinners do the same. If you lend only when you expect to receive, what kind of graciousness is yours? For sinners also lend to sinners, expecting to receive something in return. But love your enemies and do good to them and lend when there is nothing to expect in return. Then will your reward be great and you will be children of the Most High. For He is kind towards the ungrateful and the wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful." - Luke 6:31-36

What a hard thing to do! I could think of a couple of people right now that I'd rather be really mean to, but Jesus is calling me to do good right now as He is calling you.

We all know how you have to love your enemies and turn the other cheek but I want to focus on another message in this passage - "lend when there is nothing to expect in return." This doesn't necessarily mean to give something material, but it means to give of yourself. Maybe do a favor to someone in need or listen to them when they need help.

I know many of us need someone to lend to us, help us, but the best way to receive really is to give. By "lending" to someone, you're doing God the favor of helping out one of His children, and in the same way you helped them, God will make sure that someone helps you in your time of need. As the scripture says, even sinners help others, so what makes you any different from someone who doesn't believe in Jesus if you help only those who will help you in return?

For the love of God, step outside of your world today, out of your troubles and the things you want and look around you. Who do you see around you that could use some help from you today? Does your mom need some help with the dishes? Does the old lady crossing the street need your help? Maybe someone just really needs to be told that you appreciate them. I'm sure that if you look, there is something small that you can do that will mean a great deal to someone else! People always ask God for help or for a miracle, but God works through you and I to provide those miracles. I heard someone say recently that we need to be other people's miracles, so please open yourselves so that God can create miracles through you.

Today's Prayer:
Jesus, I know that I can be so selfish and only think about what I want and what I need, but please help me to see outside of myself to the people around me that I am able to touch. Put love in my heart so that I am able to please you by giving of myself to others. In Your name we pray, Amen.