In Matthew 5:42<\/em>, Jesus says:<\/p>\n \u201cGive to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.\u201d<\/em> (ESV)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n This teaching often raises a serious and practical question: This verse appears in Jesus\u2019 Sermon on the Mount<\/em> (Matthew 5\u20137), a section where He teaches about the heart of the law and the ethics of the Kingdom of God. In this passage (Matthew 5:38\u201348), Jesus is correcting the misuse of the \u201ceye for an eye\u201d principle. Rather than insisting on personal retaliation or rigid justice, He calls His followers to practice radical generosity, love, and mercy \u2014 even toward enemies.<\/p>\n So when Jesus says, \u201cGive to the one who begs from you,\u201d<\/em> He is teaching us to cultivate a generous heart<\/strong> that is not controlled by materialism, fear, or pride. But this does not mean indiscriminate giving without wisdom or discernment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Short Answer: No.<\/strong> While we are called to be generous, Scripture also teaches us to be discerning stewards.<\/p>\n It’s a simple truth: you can’t give what you don\u2019t possess<\/strong>. If someone asks for something beyond your means, you are not under obligation to fulfill that request.<\/p>\n For example, if someone asks to borrow one million shillings and you don\u2019t have that amount, you’re not breaking Jesus\u2019 command by declining. The principle here is readiness to give<\/strong>, not unrealistic obligation.<\/p>\n \u201cEach one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.\u201d<\/em> Even God Himself does not respond to every request, especially when the motives are selfish or harmful.<\/p>\n \u201cYou ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions.\u201d<\/em> \u201cAnd this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.\u201d<\/em> If God doesn\u2019t honor requests that are contrary to His will, we too should exercise wisdom<\/strong> when someone\u2019s request clearly leads to sin, irresponsibility, or harm \u2014 such as funding addiction, illegal activity, or idolatry.<\/p>\n Jesus calls us to be wise stewards<\/strong>, not just generous givers. While Scripture emphasizes mercy, it also teaches us to assess needs responsibly.<\/p>\n \u201cDo not give dogs what is holy, and do not throw your pearls before pigs, lest they trample them underfoot and turn to attack you.\u201d<\/em> \u201cWhoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.\u201d<\/em> We\u2019re encouraged to give to those in genuine need \u2014 especially the poor, the widow, the orphan, and the stranger (cf. Deuteronomy 10:18; James 1:27) \u2014 but not to enable sin, laziness, or destructive behavior.<\/p>\n The Bible also warns against supporting idleness or laziness.<\/p>\n \u201cIf anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat.\u201d<\/em> If someone repeatedly misuses what you give them or refuses to change irresponsible habits, it is not unloving<\/strong> to withhold further support. In fact, enabling poor behavior can be a disservice to them and dishonoring to God.<\/p>\n Jesus is not calling us to reckless giving<\/strong> or blind obligation<\/strong>. Rather, He\u2019s calling us to:<\/p>\n When someone asks with pure motives<\/strong> and legitimate need<\/strong>, and you are able to help, you should not turn them away<\/strong>. To do so when you can help is a sin of selfishness.<\/p>\n \u201cBut if anyone has the world\u2019s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God\u2019s love abide in him?\u201d<\/em> \u201cTake care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one\u2019s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.\u201d<\/em> Jesus calls us to be generous, but also wise. Giving without love is meaningless (1 Corinthians 13:3), but giving without wisdom can be harmful<\/strong>. The goal is to reflect God’s heart \u2014 one of compassion, righteousness, and discernment<\/strong>.<\/p>\n When someone asks for help:<\/p>\n If someone truly needs help, and you\u2019re in a position to provide it, don\u2019t turn them away. It may be that God brought them to you for such a time as this \u2014 both for their benefit and your own spiritual growth.<\/p>\n \u201cWhoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.\u201d<\/em>
\nAre we really obligated to give to everyone who asks \u2014 even if the person is irresponsible, wasteful, or has questionable intentions?<\/strong> Are we disobeying Christ if we say “no”?<\/p>\n
\nThe Context of Matthew 5:42<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\nIs It Always Right to Give?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n1. You Cannot Give What You Do Not Have<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\u2014 2 Corinthians 9:7<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n2. Motives and Purpose Matter to God<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\u2014 James 4:3<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n\u2014 1 John 5:14<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n3. Giving Should Be Guided by Wisdom and Stewardship<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\u2014 Matthew 7:6<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n\u2014 Proverbs 19:17<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n4. Habitual Irresponsibility Should Not Be Rewarded<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\u2014 2 Thessalonians 3:10<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nSo What Did Jesus Mean by \u201cGive to the One Who Asks\u201d?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\n\u2014 1 John 3:17<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\n\u2014 Luke 12:15<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nConclusion: Discernment + Generosity = Biblical Giving<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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\nFinal Encouragement<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n\u2014 Proverbs 19:17 (NIV)<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
\nMay the Lord give us hearts that are both generous and discerning.<\/strong><\/h3>\n