“When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” Luke 14:12-14
“One would almost think that Luke 14:12-14 was not considered part of God’s word, nor has any part of Jesus’s teaching been more neglected by his own people. I do not think it is unlawful to entertain our friends; but if these words do not teach us that it is in some respects our duty to give a preference to the poor, I am at a loss to understand them.”—John Newton, former slave ship captain turned pastor, composer of “Amazing Grace”
This quote was a timely read for me as I have been pondering this topic. Those of you with whom I frequently converse may point out that I am always pondering this topic. True, but lately I have been focusing especially on the question of generosity to my friends versus generosity to those in need. I have rearrived* at this conclusion: it is absolutely commendable to be generous to one’s friends, but one's generosity should not be at the expense of those in need. Now, we could become legalistic here and scold, “Cut out all coffee dates. That $6.50 a month needs to go to Namibian orphanages! And forget birthday presents from here on out. Only handmade gifts scavenged from Michael's holiday clearance will do.” No, no, the Bible encourages hospitality and kindness. The point is that I need to be aware of my proportions in giving. So friends, let's eat out less, picnic more**, and donate to IJM!
*I come to this conclusion about once a year, but this time it's floating in Roman characters in cyberspace. Maybe that will help?
**Yes, I'm always looking for an excuse to picnic. Have you accomplished your recommended intake of Vitamin D this week?
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