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Explanation for:
Matthew
5
:
42
Give to him that asketh of thee and from him that would borrow of thee turn not away.
11
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Hermas of Rome","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":2,"exegesis-text":"Practice goodness, and from the fruits of your labor, which God provides, share generously with all those in need, with no hesitance regarding who receives your assistance. Extend your generosity to everyone, for God desires each person to benefit from His gifts. Those who receive will answer to God for their actions and the reasons behind their need. While those who receive out of genuine necessity will face no condemnation, those who take insincerely will be judged. However, the one who gives will not face reproach, as they have fulfilled the divine service assigned to them, without partiality regarding who is worthy or unworthy of their assistance, having acted with gratitude before God. Thus, adhere to this command, as I have instructed you, so that both your repentance and that of your household may be sincere, and your heart remains pure and blameless before God."},{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"If we interpret this solely as a call to charitable giving, it becomes unfeasible for most impoverished individuals to adhere to this directive, and even for those with wealth, the continual act of giving would be an impossible task. Consequently, the apostles were entrusted with the practice of charity, meaning that the commandments were directed towards the leaders, so they could receive generously and likewise give generously. This form of treasure is never depleted; instead, the more it is shared, the more it multiplies; akin to a spring that nourishes the nearby lands, the source itself remains ever full."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In these statements, the Savior asks less than He has in the past, and this should not astonish us. It is characteristic of the Savior to elevate the minor alongside the major. While these requests may seem modest compared to His earlier commands, they should be taken to heart by those who unjustly take from others while giving their own possessions to the immoral, thereby igniting a destructive fire through unfair profit and harmful indulgence. When the Savior instructs us to lend, He is not referring to loaning money for interest, but rather to offering a simple act of kindness. In another context, He emphasizes the greater expectation by suggesting that we should also generously give to those from whom we do not anticipate receiving anything in return."},{"author-name":"Anonymous Commentary (Opus Imperfectum)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":4,"exegesis-text":"Moreover, these commandments are particularly relevant for those in need: would a wealthy and powerful individual strike someone weaker? Surely, they would not wish to harm another in the same manner! Who would dare to seize a wealthy man's garment by force? Certainly, he would not resort to taking from others against their will! Who would compel a prosperous individual to labor in the fields? Clearly, he would not force another to do so! Thus, the wealthy man lays barren. How can he embody the essence of law and grace to become an exemplary servant of God? How indeed? If someone approaches him for a loan, he should willingly provide it. The law teaches us that one must not unjustly take from another, just as we are meant to share our own resources freely. Conversely, grace encourages us to neither seize what belongs to others nor withhold our own. Therefore, the one who lends abides by both the law and grace. A person who generously shares their own wealth will refrain from claiming the possessions of others. The rich individual is not evaluated by their patience, for few are inclined to provoke them; rather, they are revealed through their willingness to give."},{"author-name":"Isaac the Syrian","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88d787dfcb52d241ef899_Isaac%20the%20Syrian.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":6,"exegesis-text":"There is nothing more capable of drawing the heart closer to God than acts of charity, nor is there anything that fosters profound silence in the soul like self-imposed poverty. It is preferable for many to label you as naive due to your simplicity than for you to be esteemed as wise and learned for the pursuit of worldly glory. If someone on horseback reaches out their hand to request alms, do not turn them away; in this moment, they may very well be as destitute as any beggar. When you offer assistance, do so with openheartedness, wear warmth upon your countenance, and provide more than was requested. For it is said, “Send your grain across the shores, for after many days you will receive a return” (Ecclesiastes 11:1). Let there be no distinction between the wealthy and the poor, nor should you attempt to judge who is deserving or undeserving; regard all individuals equally when performing acts of kindness."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"When an adversary, whether a friend or a non-believer, requests financial assistance or support, it is essential to remember that such loans should not be viewed as a means for personal gain but rather as a service to your neighbor. Even during the era of the law, one could provide loans without charging interest."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"Provide to all who seek assistance from you. During His teachings on a level area, He emphasized, \\"Give to everyone who asks you,\\" as noted in the Gospel of Luke (Luke 6:30). Furthermore, He instructs us to avoid making distinctions between those who are deserving and those who are not. Regardless of a person's character, their request indicates a genuine need. In His abundant grace, God has ensured that all people, whether righteous or wicked, faithful or unfaithful, have access to everything essential for life. Do not refuse anyone who wishes to borrow from you. He has instructed us to lend without expecting interest, and as noted earlier during His teachings on flat ground, He urged against demanding the return of what has been lent. He stated, \\"If you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you?\\" (Luke 6:34). The teachings in this context are related to the insufficient, while those in Luke address the more complete."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"To him who asks, provide. It is understood that the needs of our neighbor, regardless of who they are, whether spiritual or material, should be addressed. It is also acknowledged that acts of mercy and charity come with certain conditions and situations in which offering help may not only be unhelpful but could also cause harm. The essence of the command is to strive with sincere love and willingness to meet the genuine and rightful needs of the one requesting assistance. However, this same love dictates that we cannot, for instance, hand a knife to a murderer who seeks it or provide poison to someone wishing to end their own life. To him who wishes to borrow, do not turn away. The overarching message remains consistent: \\"Do not lend with the expectation of repayment but rather as a simple gesture for the benefit of your neighbor\\" (Theophylact). Furthermore, the Savior calls us to a higher standard by instructing us to give even to those from whom we do not expect to receive anything in return (Chrysostom)."},{"author-name":"Philaret (Amphiteatrov)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c896e9b7a2ebaf99e4620a_Philaret%20(Amphiteatrov).png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"A heart that is truly generous will seek to provide for the well-being of others without hesitation, in alignment with Christ's teachings. Such an individual will undoubtedly offer assistance in times of need, whether through unconditional charity or mutual support."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord instructs us to give, regardless of whether the requester is an adversary, a companion, or an individual without belief, and He urges us not to turn away anyone in need of borrowing from us. Some may seek nourishment or garments, others may need financial support, while some look for wise counsel or a supportive word of genuine brotherhood. We are encouraged to share generously, even offering our last resources in the name of Christ. Love serves as our guide, indicating when to provide for someone’s needs and when it might be detrimental. It would not be wise to furnish a weapon to someone out of control or poison to one in despair. Occasionally, a person may request alcohol for indulgence, and in such instances, offering a word of brotherly correction may be far more beneficial than providing money. Consider how the Saviour responded to those who called upon Him; when one person in the crowd pleaded, “Teacher, instruct my brother to divide the inheritance with me,” the Lord instead warned all present about the dangers of greed (Luke 12:15). His command to lend goes beyond merely providing financial support; it encompasses the broader act of lending freely. Additionally, He teaches that we should also donate to those from whom we do not anticipate receiving anything in return."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"\\"Give to him who asks of you\\" (Matthew 5:42) is a statement made by Jesus. However, Blessed Augustine raises an important question: does this imply that every request must be granted? Was Joseph required to comply with the demands of Pentephrius' wife, or was Susanna expected to succumb to the allure of the Jewish elders? Should I lend money to someone who intends to misuse it for oppressing the innocent or indulging in immoral desires? Should I extend my resources to anyone who asks? Augustine argues that this guidance must be contextualized and cannot be applied indiscriminately. Within the very words of the Saviour, Augustine discerns a limit: the term \\"beggar\\" may refer to any individual, and the act of giving should not imply fulfilling every request made. \\n\\nIf you choose to send away a lazy beggar after enlightening him about the harmful effects of idleness, you have not sent him away empty-handed—you have provided him with something, albeit not the specific item he requested. In this manner, Augustine perceives that Jesus Himself shed light on this directive. For instance, when someone asked Jesus, \\"Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me,\\" Jesus declined this seemingly simple request, replying, \\"Who made Me a judge or divider over you?\\" Yet, He also counseled those present, stating, \\"Beware of covetousness, for a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions\\" (Luke 12:13-15). Thus, the call to give reflects the necessity of offering what is genuinely beneficial to the recipient; there are requests for gifts that are harmful and beneficial when declined. Consequently, denying such requests can signify the most significant form of giving.\\n\\nThis interpretation by Augustine should not be overextended. If we habitually deliberate whether a beggar should receive what he requests, we may become paralyzed by the impossibility of reaching a conclusion in many scenarios. Consequently, in our hesitance to potentially harm the beggar by meeting his request, we may neglect Christ's exhortation to give to all who ask of us, thereby veering towards an extreme of refusal. \\n\\nFrequently, a person seeking a coin for bread is turned away solely based on their appearance, which suggests they are capable of work. People lament, \\"He should labor, not beg; it's a sin to support such idleness!\\" But is it not sinful to make such judgments without first determining whether the beggar truly prefers to beg over working? Do all those who desire employment reliably find it? Hard-working individuals can also face misfortunes that strip them of their livelihoods. Should every capable worker be denied assistance as a result? If you deny them alms, then at least provide them with employment, ensuring the beggar leaves not empty-handed! If someone is destitute and struggling due to circumstances beyond their control, will denying assistance not push them toward desperate measures, compelling them to resort to trickery or violence? Such refusals may lead one to commit serious offenses. Numerous incidents involving theft and robbery reported in courts often stem from the lack of timely aid, highlighting a failure to address underlying poverty.\\n\\nLet us not judge beggars harshly; if we cannot offer them work, and lack the resources to thoroughly investigate their misfortunes and how to help them regain stability, it is preferable to provide what we can. If, under such circumstances, we give to ten individuals but only one is genuinely in need—while the others are indeed deceitful and lazy—this act of kindness could mean saving that one individual from true misfortune. Even if offering assistance to the unworthy carries a burden of guilt, rescuing one neighbor from ruin would surely outweigh those nine misdeeds in the eyes of God. Is it not a serious sin against the soul of those who turn away the one truly in need? Will Christ not say to such individuals at the final judgment: \\"I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not welcome Me; I was naked and you did not clothe Me; I was sick and in prison and you did not visit Me?\\" (Matthew 25:42-43).\\n\\nIn some cases, alms are withheld from those unable to work, like the elderly, merely because they lack clothing. Those who refuse to assist justify their stance by arguing, \\"Why should he receive? He can do without it.\\" Yet, those who think this way ought to question themselves: Do they always petition God solely for daily bread, or do they also seek additional blessings? If they do not limit their own prayers to daily sustenance, how can they expect to receive from God if they deny a neighbor in need who requests something beyond mere bread? \\n\\nAt times, even those who are visibly hungry are denied assistance because their appearance suggests a penchant for alcohol. People worry that the funds provided will only fuel his drinking habits, deeming it sinful to enable such behavior. But is it not also sinful to instruct a starving man about the perils of drunkenness? Would it not be better to first feed and warm him, then discuss the dangers of excessive drinking? Righteous admonishments from those who are well-fed may only provoke resentment in the hungry, further alienating them from those who possess resources yet fail to alleviate their suffering. \\n\\nAll of Christ's commandments find their explanation in His core directive to love your neighbor as yourself. Consequently, if we ever question whether to provide a beggar with what he requests, it is not cold logic that yields the definitive answer, but rather a heart ignited with love for our fellow beings. To avoid the pitfalls of hypocrisy in charitable acts, we must strive to empathize with the plight of the neighbor who is in need, to empathize with his sufferings, and to understand his desires; and if those desires align with Christ's teachings, we ought to fulfill them, if we can do so.\\n\\n\\"Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you\\" (Matthew 5:42). This is how the Evangelist Matthew conveyed the words of Jesus, and the Evangelist Luke recorded the same teaching as: \\"Give to everyone who asks of you, and from him who takes what is yours do not ask for it back\\" (Luke 6:30)."}]}
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