WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:11.939 All right, well we are continuing on with Jesus' sermon here in Luke chapter 6. Dave's smiling at me because he's already way past me in Luke, but we're not racing, right? 00:00:17.240 --> 00:00:19.740 Recap is good. Drill it in deeper, right? 00:00:19.740 --> 00:00:27.019 For the past two Sundays we've been looking at Jesus' radical instructions about how we are to treat other people. 00:00:27.019 --> 00:00:35.320 We are to love our enemies. We are to do good to those who hate us. 00:00:36.280 --> 00:00:42.140 We are even to pray for those who curse us or mistreat us. 00:00:42.960 --> 00:00:47.679 We're not to retaliate, either in word or action. 00:00:48.600 --> 00:00:56.920 We are to be merciful, not treating others according to how they treat us or according to what we feel they deserve. 00:00:57.020 --> 00:01:00.780 But according to how we ourselves want to be treated. 00:01:01.820 --> 00:01:08.939 And now Jesus wraps up his instruction on this theme by restating it and by reminding us of some motivating realities. 00:01:09.980 --> 00:01:14.480 Let's look at our passage this morning here in Luke 6 verse 32. 00:01:14.480 --> 00:01:16.480 Jesus says, 00:01:16.480 --> 00:01:22.040 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? 00:01:23.480 --> 00:01:26.000 Even sinners love those who love them. 00:01:27.120 --> 00:01:32.300 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? 00:01:33.500 --> 00:01:35.280 Even sinners do that. 00:01:35.280 --> 00:01:42.640 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? 00:01:43.840 --> 00:01:49.840 Even sinners lend to sinners expecting to be repaid in full. 00:01:50.960 --> 00:01:53.299 But love your enemies. 00:01:54.260 --> 00:01:55.299 Do good to them. 00:01:55.299 --> 00:01:57.299 And lend to them. 00:01:57.299 --> 00:01:57.879 And lend to them. 00:01:58.599 --> 00:02:01.700 Without expecting to get anything back. 00:02:03.060 --> 00:02:05.420 Then your reward will be great. 00:02:06.140 --> 00:02:08.219 And you will be children of the Most High. 00:02:09.340 --> 00:02:14.819 Because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 00:02:16.039 --> 00:02:17.219 Be merciful. 00:02:18.359 --> 00:02:21.099 Just as your Father is merciful. 00:02:21.099 --> 00:02:27.159 We notice in these words of Jesus, these rhetorical questions. 00:02:32.120 --> 00:02:35.819 If you do such and such, what credit is that to you? 00:02:36.799 --> 00:02:40.400 Three times Jesus asked a rhetorical question like this. 00:02:40.979 --> 00:02:44.479 This is another example of that sort of synonymous parallelism. 00:02:44.840 --> 00:02:49.319 That's intended to drive home the same point but from three different angles. 00:02:49.319 --> 00:02:51.379 And what's the point? 00:02:52.340 --> 00:02:56.120 Well, we need to translate these rhetorical questions into statements. 00:02:56.959 --> 00:03:02.280 If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? 00:03:04.139 --> 00:03:04.699 Answer? 00:03:06.979 --> 00:03:08.019 It's no credit. 00:03:09.919 --> 00:03:13.500 It's no credit to you if you only love those who love you. 00:03:13.500 --> 00:03:19.439 And it's no credit to you if you're only good to those who are good to you. 00:03:20.860 --> 00:03:27.199 And it's no credit to you if you only lend to people who you think it likely will pay you back. 00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:37.780 In other words, we should not expect any praise, any well done, any commendation or reward from God 00:03:37.780 --> 00:03:42.939 for just treating others according to how they treat us. 00:03:44.300 --> 00:03:47.139 There's nothing especially commendable about that. 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:49.759 Nothing worthy of reward. 00:03:51.800 --> 00:03:56.199 After each of these rhetorical statements is this repeated phrase. 00:03:56.199 --> 00:04:00.759 Even sinners do that. 00:04:02.359 --> 00:04:08.259 The self-interested people of the world who are not seeking to live righteously, 00:04:09.119 --> 00:04:12.959 even they love those who love them. 00:04:15.000 --> 00:04:18.000 Even they do good to those who are good to them. 00:04:19.060 --> 00:04:22.620 Even they lend to those who are likely to pay them back. 00:04:22.620 --> 00:04:26.600 That's just normal reciprocation. 00:04:28.819 --> 00:04:31.060 We talked about the golden rule last week. 00:04:31.220 --> 00:04:33.540 Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. 00:04:33.620 --> 00:04:36.300 But this kind of living that Jesus is talking about is 00:04:36.300 --> 00:04:40.319 do to others so that they will do good to you. 00:04:41.840 --> 00:04:45.560 Or it's if you scratch my back, I'll scratch yours. 00:04:46.100 --> 00:04:49.579 If you're nice to me, I'll be nice to you. 00:04:49.579 --> 00:04:53.779 If you help me out, I'll help you out. 00:04:54.779 --> 00:04:58.339 Well, that's not anything special or worthy of honor, says Jesus. 00:04:59.300 --> 00:05:02.939 Of course you love those who love you. 00:05:04.360 --> 00:05:05.620 That's not righteousness. 00:05:05.939 --> 00:05:08.599 That's not the kind of love that I'm talking about. 00:05:08.719 --> 00:05:13.120 That's not caring truly and deeply for the needs of others. 00:05:13.120 --> 00:05:19.019 It's a sort of self-serving, convenient arrangement 00:05:19.019 --> 00:05:23.379 that even people who don't fear God do all the time. 00:05:25.079 --> 00:05:29.399 It's no credit to you to just reciprocate kindness to people. 00:05:29.680 --> 00:05:34.160 To return good only to those who are good to you. 00:05:34.160 --> 00:05:39.680 The example of lending in verses 34 and 35 00:05:39.680 --> 00:05:44.000 really stands out in this section as something new, something fresh. 00:05:46.160 --> 00:05:50.280 Why might someone ask to borrow money from you? 00:05:52.480 --> 00:05:55.140 Because they have none. 00:05:55.139 --> 00:06:00.959 Well, our minds start thinking of all the different scenarios that might be. 00:06:01.879 --> 00:06:04.279 Apart from addictions and substance abuse 00:06:04.279 --> 00:06:06.079 or forgetting their wallet at home, 00:06:06.560 --> 00:06:09.899 it's probably that they are really in need. 00:06:12.300 --> 00:06:15.560 And it's kind of humiliating to have to ask those around you 00:06:15.560 --> 00:06:16.800 for a loan, 00:06:17.800 --> 00:06:20.659 for help to fulfill your obligations. 00:06:20.660 --> 00:06:24.880 And so often people won't ask to borrow 00:06:24.880 --> 00:06:27.120 until they're truly in need. 00:06:27.200 --> 00:06:29.960 Until the vehicle's out of commission 00:06:29.960 --> 00:06:33.640 and the repair bill is too high. 00:06:33.760 --> 00:06:36.020 Is more than what there is in the bank account. 00:06:36.480 --> 00:06:37.620 Often people won't ask 00:06:37.620 --> 00:06:39.580 until the gas tank is completely empty 00:06:39.580 --> 00:06:41.920 and they have to get to this appointment. 00:06:43.660 --> 00:06:45.080 Often people won't ask 00:06:45.080 --> 00:06:46.860 until the fridge is empty 00:06:46.860 --> 00:06:49.480 and there's hunger. 00:06:49.480 --> 00:06:52.560 until the credit card is already maxed out. 00:06:55.360 --> 00:06:57.120 Would you be willing to lend me some money? 00:06:59.100 --> 00:07:01.360 I've got myself into a tough situation 00:07:01.360 --> 00:07:04.200 and I promise I'll pay you back as soon as I can. 00:07:07.020 --> 00:07:09.420 The normal way of the world in moments like this 00:07:09.420 --> 00:07:10.980 is to assess the situation, 00:07:11.420 --> 00:07:14.439 to evaluate that person and what you know of them, 00:07:14.819 --> 00:07:18.080 and then to count the cost to yourself. 00:07:19.480 --> 00:07:21.620 How likely am I to be repaid? 00:07:24.300 --> 00:07:26.340 And if they're quite likely to repay them, 00:07:26.420 --> 00:07:27.720 well, I'll lend them the money. 00:07:30.160 --> 00:07:31.939 But notice how that decision is 00:07:31.939 --> 00:07:35.759 first and foremost based on my interests. 00:07:36.960 --> 00:07:38.879 Whether I will be repaid 00:07:38.879 --> 00:07:40.220 because it's my money 00:07:40.220 --> 00:07:42.400 and I want to get it back. 00:07:42.399 --> 00:07:46.519 Can I spare that money 00:07:46.519 --> 00:07:47.699 if they don't repay me? 00:07:49.939 --> 00:07:51.479 And so with that kind of thinking, 00:07:51.679 --> 00:07:53.799 if you decide to grant them a small loan, 00:07:55.099 --> 00:07:55.739 Jesus says, 00:07:55.959 --> 00:07:57.279 it's no credit to you. 00:07:58.879 --> 00:08:01.120 There's no praise or reward from God 00:08:01.120 --> 00:08:02.279 for that. 00:08:02.859 --> 00:08:04.519 That's not being especially helpful 00:08:04.519 --> 00:08:06.739 or generous to them. 00:08:06.740 --> 00:08:08.560 You're mainly concerned about yourself 00:08:08.560 --> 00:08:11.019 and whether you'll get the money back. 00:08:15.120 --> 00:08:16.100 Jesus says, 00:08:16.540 --> 00:08:17.420 love your enemies. 00:08:17.939 --> 00:08:18.780 Do good to them. 00:08:19.259 --> 00:08:20.740 Lend to them without expecting 00:08:21.360 --> 00:08:23.040 to get anything back. 00:08:23.040 --> 00:08:34.800 If we take away that expectation of repayment, 00:08:48.980 --> 00:08:50.100 why would we lend to them? 00:08:50.100 --> 00:08:56.220 Well, because they're in need. 00:08:57.540 --> 00:08:58.879 Because they need help. 00:09:01.639 --> 00:09:03.940 Our being willing to lend to them 00:09:03.940 --> 00:09:06.720 regardless of whether they pay us back 00:09:06.720 --> 00:09:09.300 is a true act of compassion. 00:09:11.759 --> 00:09:13.960 It's a true act of love and goodness 00:09:13.960 --> 00:09:16.360 because it's no longer about us 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:18.279 and our money. 00:09:18.680 --> 00:09:19.879 It's about them. 00:09:20.100 --> 00:09:21.680 And their need. 00:09:23.340 --> 00:09:26.060 And as we saw with the discussion 00:09:26.060 --> 00:09:27.680 about retaliation above 00:09:27.680 --> 00:09:29.680 and turning the other cheek 00:09:29.680 --> 00:09:31.980 and allowing them to take the shirt as well, 00:09:32.600 --> 00:09:34.120 it's better to be generous. 00:09:34.600 --> 00:09:35.639 It's better to be kind 00:09:35.639 --> 00:09:38.519 and sometimes taken advantage of 00:09:38.519 --> 00:09:40.100 and wronged 00:09:40.100 --> 00:09:42.320 than to be just like the world around us 00:09:42.320 --> 00:09:44.980 with a hollow love 00:09:44.980 --> 00:09:46.399 that only shows goodness 00:09:46.399 --> 00:09:48.860 to those who are good to us. 00:09:48.860 --> 00:09:53.019 Now we might wonder in that moment, 00:09:53.159 --> 00:09:53.919 well, what about 00:09:53.919 --> 00:09:55.659 me? 00:09:55.820 --> 00:09:56.919 What about my money? 00:09:58.240 --> 00:09:59.740 What if I don't get it back? 00:10:00.399 --> 00:10:01.460 This is a lot of money. 00:10:01.980 --> 00:10:03.399 I worked for that money. 00:10:04.159 --> 00:10:06.460 It was the reward for my labor. 00:10:08.100 --> 00:10:09.980 How is it right that they should have it 00:10:09.980 --> 00:10:11.720 for doing nothing? 00:10:11.720 --> 00:10:16.220 And maybe that I should lack that money 00:10:16.220 --> 00:10:16.980 permanently 00:10:16.980 --> 00:10:18.800 if they don't repay it. 00:10:20.000 --> 00:10:21.980 Well, Jesus helps us with this too. 00:10:23.840 --> 00:10:25.720 He says in verse 35, 00:10:25.720 --> 00:10:28.759 love your enemies, 00:10:29.379 --> 00:10:30.320 do good to them 00:10:30.320 --> 00:10:31.300 and lend to them 00:10:31.300 --> 00:10:32.080 without expecting 00:10:32.080 --> 00:10:33.240 to get anything back. 00:10:33.840 --> 00:10:34.340 Then 00:10:34.340 --> 00:10:35.980 your reward 00:10:35.980 --> 00:10:37.320 will be great 00:10:37.320 --> 00:10:40.620 and you will be children 00:10:40.620 --> 00:10:41.519 of the Most High. 00:10:41.519 --> 00:10:45.720 There are times 00:10:45.720 --> 00:10:46.679 when living like this 00:10:46.679 --> 00:10:47.740 may result in us 00:10:47.740 --> 00:10:49.120 being taken advantage of. 00:10:50.259 --> 00:10:51.799 Our love toward an enemy 00:10:51.799 --> 00:10:53.659 may be scorned. 00:10:54.539 --> 00:10:55.720 You send a gift 00:10:55.720 --> 00:10:58.019 and it's thrown in the trash 00:10:58.019 --> 00:11:00.699 or you send a card 00:11:00.699 --> 00:11:01.939 and it's returned in the mail. 00:11:03.000 --> 00:11:04.019 You do good to them 00:11:04.019 --> 00:11:04.899 but they may continue 00:11:04.899 --> 00:11:05.519 to be hostile 00:11:06.120 --> 00:11:08.199 and nasty to you. 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:09.919 You lend to them 00:11:09.919 --> 00:11:10.620 and they tell you 00:11:10.620 --> 00:11:11.500 time and time again, 00:11:11.620 --> 00:11:13.279 yeah, I'm going to repay you 00:11:13.279 --> 00:11:14.959 but the money 00:11:14.959 --> 00:11:16.019 never shows itself. 00:11:17.599 --> 00:11:18.360 Take heart. 00:11:19.319 --> 00:11:21.019 In those kinds of situations, 00:11:21.479 --> 00:11:22.259 says Jesus, 00:11:23.399 --> 00:11:24.299 your reward 00:11:24.299 --> 00:11:25.979 will be great. 00:11:28.059 --> 00:11:29.439 Not from them, 00:11:30.559 --> 00:11:31.919 not from others, 00:11:32.819 --> 00:11:34.620 but your reward from God. 00:11:36.120 --> 00:11:37.259 God sees 00:11:37.259 --> 00:11:38.839 and keeps track 00:11:38.840 --> 00:11:41.240 of every single time 00:11:41.240 --> 00:11:42.480 that we are wronged. 00:11:43.639 --> 00:11:44.560 Every time we're 00:11:44.560 --> 00:11:45.700 taken advantage of. 00:11:47.220 --> 00:11:48.460 And when we refuse 00:11:48.460 --> 00:11:49.340 to retaliate 00:11:49.340 --> 00:11:49.960 and instead 00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:51.320 act in love 00:11:51.320 --> 00:11:53.500 and generosity 00:11:53.500 --> 00:11:54.500 and kindness, 00:11:55.800 --> 00:11:57.420 God will see to it 00:11:57.420 --> 00:11:58.280 that we are honored 00:11:58.280 --> 00:12:01.040 on the great day. 00:12:02.320 --> 00:12:03.680 That we are rewarded 00:12:03.680 --> 00:12:04.420 for loving 00:12:04.420 --> 00:12:05.400 and giving 00:12:05.400 --> 00:12:07.019 the way that He does. 00:12:07.019 --> 00:12:09.659 there is a day 00:12:09.659 --> 00:12:10.659 of reward 00:12:10.659 --> 00:12:11.259 coming 00:12:11.259 --> 00:12:13.120 for the disciples 00:12:13.120 --> 00:12:13.779 of Jesus. 00:12:15.379 --> 00:12:17.019 Now the precise details 00:12:17.019 --> 00:12:18.379 on what God's reward 00:12:18.379 --> 00:12:19.399 to us will be 00:12:19.399 --> 00:12:20.620 on that day 00:12:20.620 --> 00:12:21.379 we don't know. 00:12:22.759 --> 00:12:24.220 It awaits the end 00:12:24.220 --> 00:12:26.059 when Jesus returns 00:12:26.059 --> 00:12:27.240 to open up the books 00:12:27.240 --> 00:12:28.720 and reveal 00:12:28.720 --> 00:12:30.600 how all of His followers 00:12:30.600 --> 00:12:32.120 have lived. 00:12:32.120 --> 00:12:35.320 but do you believe 00:12:35.320 --> 00:12:36.519 that God 00:12:36.519 --> 00:12:37.639 can reward you 00:12:37.639 --> 00:12:39.060 far beyond 00:12:39.060 --> 00:12:39.639 the wrong 00:12:39.639 --> 00:12:41.580 or the loss 00:12:41.580 --> 00:12:43.200 or the pain 00:12:43.200 --> 00:12:44.799 that you suffer 00:12:44.799 --> 00:12:45.440 from others? 00:12:48.159 --> 00:12:49.500 Let me ask that again. 00:12:49.639 --> 00:12:50.379 Do you believe 00:12:50.379 --> 00:12:50.899 that God 00:12:50.899 --> 00:12:52.039 can reward you 00:12:52.039 --> 00:12:53.419 far beyond 00:12:53.419 --> 00:12:54.060 the wrong 00:12:54.060 --> 00:12:56.560 or the loss 00:12:56.560 --> 00:12:58.039 or the pain 00:12:58.039 --> 00:12:59.839 that you 00:12:59.839 --> 00:13:00.480 suffered 00:13:00.480 --> 00:13:01.079 from others? 00:13:04.879 --> 00:13:05.860 I think deep down 00:13:05.860 --> 00:13:06.360 in our hearts 00:13:06.360 --> 00:13:06.699 we know 00:13:06.699 --> 00:13:07.259 that He can. 00:13:10.959 --> 00:13:12.439 On a very practical note 00:13:12.439 --> 00:13:12.939 when it comes 00:13:12.939 --> 00:13:13.480 to borrowing 00:13:13.480 --> 00:13:14.139 and lending 00:13:14.139 --> 00:13:16.139 something I personally 00:13:16.139 --> 00:13:16.919 try to do 00:13:16.919 --> 00:13:19.019 is to avoid 00:13:19.019 --> 00:13:19.480 borrowing 00:13:19.480 --> 00:13:20.719 at all costs 00:13:20.719 --> 00:13:21.779 of course 00:13:21.779 --> 00:13:22.379 with the exception 00:13:22.379 --> 00:13:23.019 of the mortgage 00:13:23.019 --> 00:13:23.659 on our home 00:13:23.659 --> 00:13:25.259 it's almost impossible 00:13:25.259 --> 00:13:26.019 to buy a home 00:13:26.019 --> 00:13:26.959 without that. 00:13:26.960 --> 00:13:28.320 But I think 00:13:28.320 --> 00:13:29.240 there's true wisdom 00:13:29.240 --> 00:13:29.860 in the words 00:13:29.860 --> 00:13:30.600 that God spoke 00:13:30.600 --> 00:13:31.240 through Solomon 00:13:31.240 --> 00:13:32.400 long ago. 00:13:34.000 --> 00:13:34.560 Proverbs 00:13:34.560 --> 00:13:35.820 chapter 22 00:13:35.820 --> 00:13:36.420 verse 7 00:13:36.420 --> 00:13:36.740 says 00:13:36.740 --> 00:13:37.200 the rich 00:13:37.200 --> 00:13:38.400 rule over the poor 00:13:38.400 --> 00:13:40.139 and the borrower 00:13:40.139 --> 00:13:41.600 is slave 00:13:41.600 --> 00:13:43.100 to the lender. 00:13:46.220 --> 00:13:47.560 So what those words 00:13:47.560 --> 00:13:48.280 mean to me 00:13:48.280 --> 00:13:49.639 is that I would 00:13:49.639 --> 00:13:50.400 be wise 00:13:50.400 --> 00:13:51.400 to avoid 00:13:51.400 --> 00:13:51.920 borrowing 00:13:51.920 --> 00:13:53.840 at all costs 00:13:53.840 --> 00:13:55.720 because to do so 00:13:55.720 --> 00:13:56.280 is at least 00:13:56.279 --> 00:13:57.059 in some measure 00:13:57.059 --> 00:13:57.959 to make myself 00:13:57.959 --> 00:13:58.600 a slave. 00:13:59.319 --> 00:14:00.039 It's to 00:14:00.039 --> 00:14:01.059 surrender 00:14:01.059 --> 00:14:02.480 control of my life 00:14:02.480 --> 00:14:03.620 in some measure 00:14:03.620 --> 00:14:05.559 to someone else. 00:14:06.759 --> 00:14:07.299 Now of course 00:14:07.299 --> 00:14:07.779 with the 00:14:07.779 --> 00:14:08.799 exception of 00:14:08.799 --> 00:14:09.439 the basic 00:14:09.439 --> 00:14:10.000 essentials 00:14:10.000 --> 00:14:10.879 of food 00:14:10.879 --> 00:14:12.779 and shelter 00:14:12.779 --> 00:14:13.720 and clothing 00:14:13.720 --> 00:14:16.100 it's better 00:14:16.100 --> 00:14:17.679 to go without 00:14:17.679 --> 00:14:19.439 and be free 00:14:19.439 --> 00:14:21.699 than to have 00:14:21.699 --> 00:14:23.579 and be a slave. 00:14:23.580 --> 00:14:26.440 So how do we 00:14:26.440 --> 00:14:27.300 factor in 00:14:27.300 --> 00:14:28.160 these words 00:14:28.160 --> 00:14:30.060 to the words 00:14:30.060 --> 00:14:30.560 that Jesus 00:14:30.560 --> 00:14:32.100 gives us 00:14:32.100 --> 00:14:32.860 when he encourages 00:14:32.860 --> 00:14:33.900 us to be willing 00:14:33.900 --> 00:14:34.580 to lend 00:14:34.580 --> 00:14:36.480 without expecting 00:14:36.480 --> 00:14:37.120 repayment? 00:14:38.860 --> 00:14:39.900 Well if going 00:14:39.900 --> 00:14:40.400 into debt 00:14:40.400 --> 00:14:41.060 is unwise 00:14:41.060 --> 00:14:41.639 for me 00:14:41.639 --> 00:14:43.480 because the 00:14:43.480 --> 00:14:44.020 borrower is 00:14:44.020 --> 00:14:44.440 slave 00:14:44.440 --> 00:14:45.139 to the lender 00:14:45.139 --> 00:14:46.940 then lending 00:14:46.940 --> 00:14:48.060 to someone else 00:14:48.060 --> 00:14:49.860 puts them 00:14:49.860 --> 00:14:50.259 into that 00:14:50.259 --> 00:14:51.159 same situation 00:14:51.159 --> 00:14:53.500 where they 00:14:53.500 --> 00:14:54.100 lose some 00:14:54.100 --> 00:14:54.399 of their 00:14:54.399 --> 00:14:54.720 freedom 00:14:54.720 --> 00:14:55.220 and become 00:14:55.220 --> 00:14:55.700 in some 00:14:55.700 --> 00:14:56.080 measure 00:14:56.080 --> 00:14:56.600 a slave 00:14:56.600 --> 00:14:57.159 to me 00:14:57.159 --> 00:14:58.039 obligated 00:14:58.039 --> 00:14:58.980 to repay 00:14:58.980 --> 00:15:00.059 me. 00:15:01.319 --> 00:15:01.620 And so 00:15:01.620 --> 00:15:02.700 this is just 00:15:02.700 --> 00:15:03.240 my own 00:15:03.240 --> 00:15:03.720 personal 00:15:03.720 --> 00:15:04.840 understanding 00:15:04.840 --> 00:15:05.200 of this 00:15:05.200 --> 00:15:05.799 what I find 00:15:05.799 --> 00:15:06.139 helpful 00:15:06.139 --> 00:15:06.519 in this 00:15:06.519 --> 00:15:07.019 situation 00:15:07.019 --> 00:15:07.379 is that 00:15:07.379 --> 00:15:07.819 if anybody 00:15:07.819 --> 00:15:08.360 asks 00:15:08.360 --> 00:15:08.879 to borrow 00:15:08.879 --> 00:15:09.379 from me 00:15:09.379 --> 00:15:11.080 I choose 00:15:11.080 --> 00:15:11.519 to think 00:15:11.519 --> 00:15:11.960 of what I 00:15:11.960 --> 00:15:12.299 lend 00:15:12.299 --> 00:15:12.840 to them 00:15:12.840 --> 00:15:14.819 as a gift 00:15:14.819 --> 00:15:17.259 rather than 00:15:17.259 --> 00:15:17.639 a loan. 00:15:17.639 --> 00:15:19.779 I don't 00:15:19.779 --> 00:15:20.179 set out 00:15:20.179 --> 00:15:20.720 terms of 00:15:20.720 --> 00:15:21.279 repayment 00:15:21.279 --> 00:15:23.139 if it's 00:15:23.139 --> 00:15:23.659 a relatively 00:15:23.659 --> 00:15:24.399 small and 00:15:24.399 --> 00:15:24.799 manageable 00:15:24.799 --> 00:15:25.360 amount of 00:15:25.360 --> 00:15:25.600 money 00:15:25.600 --> 00:15:27.259 why not 00:15:27.259 --> 00:15:27.620 just give 00:15:27.620 --> 00:15:28.059 it to them 00:15:28.059 --> 00:15:28.899 as a gift 00:15:28.899 --> 00:15:29.399 from God? 00:15:31.199 --> 00:15:31.960 Just tell 00:15:31.960 --> 00:15:32.279 them this 00:15:32.279 --> 00:15:32.580 is from 00:15:32.580 --> 00:15:32.960 the Lord 00:15:32.960 --> 00:15:33.419 Jesus. 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:38.379 Then 00:15:38.379 --> 00:15:39.019 they can 00:15:39.019 --> 00:15:39.519 be free 00:15:39.519 --> 00:15:40.419 of any 00:15:40.419 --> 00:15:41.199 feeling of 00:15:41.199 --> 00:15:41.740 obligation 00:15:41.740 --> 00:15:43.120 to repay 00:15:43.120 --> 00:15:44.259 you. 00:15:44.779 --> 00:15:45.220 Give it 00:15:45.220 --> 00:15:45.700 as a gift 00:15:45.700 --> 00:15:46.519 if you 00:15:46.519 --> 00:15:46.860 can. 00:15:46.860 --> 00:15:47.800 tell them 00:15:47.800 --> 00:15:48.300 it's a gift 00:15:48.300 --> 00:15:48.700 so that 00:15:48.700 --> 00:15:49.220 they know 00:15:49.220 --> 00:15:49.639 that they're 00:15:49.639 --> 00:15:50.320 not burdened 00:15:50.320 --> 00:15:50.740 by this 00:15:50.740 --> 00:15:51.279 sense of 00:15:51.279 --> 00:15:51.600 duty 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:52.580 to somehow 00:15:52.580 --> 00:15:53.139 find the 00:15:53.139 --> 00:15:53.639 money to 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:54.360 repay you. 00:15:55.600 --> 00:15:56.240 And then 00:15:56.240 --> 00:15:56.500 at the 00:15:56.500 --> 00:15:56.800 outset 00:15:56.800 --> 00:15:57.279 you don't 00:15:57.279 --> 00:15:57.580 even have 00:15:57.580 --> 00:15:57.980 to worry 00:15:57.980 --> 00:15:58.500 about whether 00:15:58.500 --> 00:15:59.180 they pay 00:15:59.180 --> 00:15:59.539 you back 00:15:59.539 --> 00:15:59.960 or not. 00:16:00.919 --> 00:16:01.659 You saw 00:16:01.659 --> 00:16:02.180 their need 00:16:02.180 --> 00:16:03.440 and you 00:16:03.440 --> 00:16:04.000 just gave 00:16:04.000 --> 00:16:05.039 to help 00:16:05.039 --> 00:16:05.800 them meet 00:16:05.800 --> 00:16:05.980 it. 00:16:06.960 --> 00:16:07.440 Now 00:16:07.440 --> 00:16:07.879 sometimes 00:16:07.879 --> 00:16:08.320 it's a 00:16:08.320 --> 00:16:08.980 larger sum 00:16:08.980 --> 00:16:09.519 maybe 00:16:09.519 --> 00:16:10.720 an amount 00:16:10.720 --> 00:16:11.039 of money 00:16:11.039 --> 00:16:11.320 that 00:16:11.320 --> 00:16:13.019 yeah 00:16:13.019 --> 00:16:14.100 it's 00:16:14.100 --> 00:16:14.440 difficult 00:16:14.440 --> 00:16:14.899 to give 00:16:14.899 --> 00:16:15.440 that amount. 00:16:16.860 --> 00:16:17.659 Lend 00:16:17.659 --> 00:16:17.919 it to 00:16:17.919 --> 00:16:18.139 them 00:16:18.139 --> 00:16:19.100 if 00:16:19.100 --> 00:16:19.279 you're 00:16:19.279 --> 00:16:19.600 able 00:16:19.600 --> 00:16:21.300 but 00:16:21.300 --> 00:16:21.519 leave 00:16:21.519 --> 00:16:21.620 it 00:16:21.620 --> 00:16:21.759 to 00:16:21.759 --> 00:16:22.080 God 00:16:22.080 --> 00:16:23.019 whether 00:16:23.019 --> 00:16:23.220 they 00:16:23.220 --> 00:16:23.419 pay 00:16:23.419 --> 00:16:23.560 you 00:16:23.560 --> 00:16:23.879 back. 00:16:24.919 --> 00:16:25.419 Isn't 00:16:25.419 --> 00:16:25.700 that what 00:16:25.700 --> 00:16:26.180 Jesus is 00:16:26.180 --> 00:16:26.399 saying 00:16:26.399 --> 00:16:26.759 with these 00:16:26.759 --> 00:16:27.100 words? 00:16:27.820 --> 00:16:28.039 Lend 00:16:28.039 --> 00:16:28.460 to them 00:16:28.460 --> 00:16:29.139 without 00:16:29.139 --> 00:16:29.680 expecting 00:16:29.680 --> 00:16:30.100 to get 00:16:30.100 --> 00:16:30.419 anything 00:16:30.419 --> 00:16:30.820 back. 00:16:31.340 --> 00:16:31.700 Don't 00:16:31.700 --> 00:16:31.960 chase 00:16:31.960 --> 00:16:32.100 them 00:16:32.100 --> 00:16:32.419 around 00:16:32.419 --> 00:16:32.820 asking 00:16:32.820 --> 00:16:33.039 for 00:16:33.039 --> 00:16:33.200 your 00:16:33.200 --> 00:16:33.399 money 00:16:33.399 --> 00:16:33.820 back 00:16:33.820 --> 00:16:34.919 or 00:16:34.919 --> 00:16:35.220 hold 00:16:35.220 --> 00:16:35.340 it 00:16:35.340 --> 00:16:35.539 over 00:16:35.539 --> 00:16:35.840 them 00:16:35.840 --> 00:16:36.000 and 00:16:36.000 --> 00:16:36.139 let 00:16:36.139 --> 00:16:36.300 it 00:16:36.300 --> 00:16:36.720 sour 00:16:36.720 --> 00:16:37.000 your 00:16:37.000 --> 00:16:37.580 relationship 00:16:37.580 --> 00:16:37.960 with 00:16:37.960 --> 00:16:38.220 them. 00:16:39.519 --> 00:16:40.019 Take 00:16:40.019 --> 00:16:40.139 it 00:16:40.139 --> 00:16:40.279 on 00:16:40.279 --> 00:16:40.419 the 00:16:40.419 --> 00:16:40.659 chin. 00:16:41.800 --> 00:16:42.080 Turn 00:16:42.080 --> 00:16:42.240 the 00:16:42.240 --> 00:16:42.420 other 00:16:42.420 --> 00:16:42.779 cheek. 00:16:42.779 --> 00:16:44.740 remember 00:16:44.740 --> 00:16:45.819 God 00:16:45.819 --> 00:16:46.059 can 00:16:46.059 --> 00:16:46.360 repay 00:16:46.360 --> 00:16:46.699 you 00:16:46.699 --> 00:16:47.799 for 00:16:47.799 --> 00:16:48.100 anything 00:16:48.100 --> 00:16:48.360 that 00:16:48.360 --> 00:16:48.620 you've 00:16:48.620 --> 00:16:48.980 lost. 00:16:49.819 --> 00:16:50.019 He 00:16:50.019 --> 00:16:50.199 can 00:16:50.199 --> 00:16:50.459 give 00:16:50.459 --> 00:16:50.699 more 00:16:50.699 --> 00:16:50.919 to 00:16:50.919 --> 00:16:51.199 you 00:16:51.199 --> 00:16:51.879 if 00:16:51.879 --> 00:16:52.019 you 00:16:52.019 --> 00:16:52.259 need 00:16:52.259 --> 00:16:52.459 it 00:16:52.459 --> 00:16:53.279 and 00:16:53.279 --> 00:16:53.439 at 00:16:53.439 --> 00:16:53.579 the 00:16:53.579 --> 00:16:53.939 end 00:16:53.939 --> 00:16:56.459 he 00:16:56.459 --> 00:16:56.620 will 00:16:56.620 --> 00:16:57.159 reward 00:16:57.159 --> 00:16:58.000 those 00:16:58.000 --> 00:16:58.259 who 00:16:58.259 --> 00:16:58.620 are 00:16:58.620 --> 00:16:59.120 generous 00:16:59.120 --> 00:16:59.899 and 00:16:59.899 --> 00:17:00.220 lend 00:17:00.220 --> 00:17:01.779 and 00:17:01.779 --> 00:17:02.139 give. 00:17:03.019 --> 00:17:03.579 Notice 00:17:03.579 --> 00:17:03.819 who 00:17:03.819 --> 00:17:04.160 Jesus 00:17:04.160 --> 00:17:04.599 tells 00:17:04.599 --> 00:17:04.799 us 00:17:04.799 --> 00:17:04.960 to 00:17:04.960 --> 00:17:05.200 lend 00:17:05.200 --> 00:17:05.519 to. 00:17:06.579 --> 00:17:07.119 He 00:17:07.119 --> 00:17:07.379 says 00:17:07.379 --> 00:17:07.799 love 00:17:07.799 --> 00:17:08.059 your 00:17:08.059 --> 00:17:08.879 enemies. 00:17:08.880 --> 00:17:10.660 Do 00:17:10.660 --> 00:17:10.860 good 00:17:10.860 --> 00:17:11.080 to 00:17:11.080 --> 00:17:11.500 them. 00:17:12.060 --> 00:17:12.360 Lend 00:17:12.360 --> 00:17:12.660 to 00:17:12.660 --> 00:17:13.180 them 00:17:13.180 --> 00:17:15.320 without 00:17:15.320 --> 00:17:15.940 expecting 00:17:15.940 --> 00:17:17.240 to 00:17:17.240 --> 00:17:17.400 get 00:17:17.400 --> 00:17:17.700 anything 00:17:17.700 --> 00:17:18.120 back. 00:17:19.040 --> 00:17:19.260 So 00:17:19.260 --> 00:17:19.520 already 00:17:19.520 --> 00:17:19.720 we 00:17:19.720 --> 00:17:19.880 should 00:17:19.880 --> 00:17:20.020 be 00:17:20.020 --> 00:17:20.280 thinking 00:17:20.280 --> 00:17:20.480 of 00:17:20.480 --> 00:17:20.700 this 00:17:20.700 --> 00:17:21.140 as 00:17:21.140 --> 00:17:21.440 money 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:21.740 that's 00:17:21.740 --> 00:17:22.240 probably 00:17:22.240 --> 00:17:22.640 not 00:17:22.640 --> 00:17:22.960 coming 00:17:22.960 --> 00:17:23.240 back 00:17:23.240 --> 00:17:23.440 to 00:17:23.440 --> 00:17:23.660 us. 00:17:23.740 --> 00:17:23.880 This 00:17:23.880 --> 00:17:24.020 is 00:17:24.020 --> 00:17:24.160 an 00:17:24.160 --> 00:17:24.460 enemy 00:17:24.460 --> 00:17:24.840 we're 00:17:24.840 --> 00:17:25.100 lending 00:17:25.100 --> 00:17:25.420 to. 00:17:26.120 --> 00:17:26.420 It's 00:17:26.420 --> 00:17:26.540 a 00:17:26.540 --> 00:17:26.800 kindness 00:17:26.800 --> 00:17:27.220 that's 00:17:27.220 --> 00:17:27.680 probably 00:17:27.680 --> 00:17:28.040 not 00:17:28.040 --> 00:17:28.220 going 00:17:28.220 --> 00:17:28.280 to 00:17:28.280 --> 00:17:28.420 be 00:17:28.420 --> 00:17:28.840 returned. 00:17:31.660 --> 00:17:32.200 Now 00:17:32.200 --> 00:17:32.340 we 00:17:32.340 --> 00:17:32.580 also 00:17:32.580 --> 00:17:32.840 have 00:17:32.840 --> 00:17:33.000 to 00:17:33.000 --> 00:17:33.360 remember 00:17:33.360 --> 00:17:33.640 that 00:17:33.640 --> 00:17:33.920 this 00:17:33.920 --> 00:17:34.400 is 00:17:34.400 --> 00:17:34.580 a 00:17:34.580 --> 00:17:34.980 general 00:17:34.980 --> 00:17:35.540 imperative. 00:17:35.780 --> 00:17:35.900 This 00:17:35.900 --> 00:17:36.200 is a 00:17:36.200 --> 00:17:36.500 general 00:17:36.500 --> 00:17:36.940 teaching 00:17:36.940 --> 00:17:37.160 of 00:17:37.160 --> 00:17:37.440 Jesus. 00:17:37.440 --> 00:17:37.760 It's 00:17:37.760 --> 00:17:37.900 a 00:17:37.900 --> 00:17:38.300 principle. 00:17:38.299 --> 00:17:39.099 And 00:17:39.099 --> 00:17:39.259 it's 00:17:39.259 --> 00:17:39.500 not 00:17:39.500 --> 00:17:39.799 without 00:17:39.799 --> 00:17:40.339 exception. 00:17:42.180 --> 00:17:42.419 Do 00:17:42.419 --> 00:17:42.740 not 00:17:42.740 --> 00:17:43.019 lend 00:17:43.019 --> 00:17:43.319 money 00:17:43.319 --> 00:17:43.519 to 00:17:43.519 --> 00:17:43.659 the 00:17:43.659 --> 00:17:43.879 guy 00:17:43.879 --> 00:17:44.259 begging 00:17:44.259 --> 00:17:44.480 you 00:17:44.480 --> 00:17:44.720 for 00:17:44.720 --> 00:17:44.859 it 00:17:44.859 --> 00:17:45.139 next 00:17:45.139 --> 00:17:45.419 door 00:17:45.419 --> 00:17:45.599 to 00:17:45.599 --> 00:17:45.759 the 00:17:45.759 --> 00:17:45.960 liquor 00:17:45.960 --> 00:17:46.379 store 00:17:46.379 --> 00:17:48.079 whose 00:17:48.079 --> 00:17:48.440 breath 00:17:48.440 --> 00:17:48.940 smells 00:17:48.940 --> 00:17:49.200 like 00:17:49.200 --> 00:17:49.740 alcohol. 00:17:51.259 --> 00:17:51.940 We 00:17:51.940 --> 00:17:52.119 are 00:17:52.119 --> 00:17:52.579 stewards 00:17:52.579 --> 00:17:53.039 and 00:17:53.039 --> 00:17:53.500 managers 00:17:53.500 --> 00:17:53.940 of what 00:17:53.940 --> 00:17:54.220 God 00:17:54.220 --> 00:17:54.460 has 00:17:54.460 --> 00:17:54.899 entrusted 00:17:54.899 --> 00:17:55.180 to 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:55.480 us. 00:17:56.299 --> 00:17:56.419 We 00:17:56.419 --> 00:17:56.720 are 00:17:56.720 --> 00:17:56.940 to 00:17:56.940 --> 00:17:57.139 be 00:17:57.139 --> 00:17:57.559 generous 00:17:57.559 --> 00:17:59.220 but 00:17:59.220 --> 00:17:59.519 not 00:17:59.519 --> 00:18:00.059 foolish. 00:18:01.259 --> 00:18:01.940 Giving 00:18:01.940 --> 00:18:02.240 money 00:18:02.240 --> 00:18:02.460 to 00:18:02.460 --> 00:18:02.680 an 00:18:02.680 --> 00:18:03.079 addict 00:18:03.079 --> 00:18:04.200 only 00:18:04.200 --> 00:18:04.879 enables 00:18:04.879 --> 00:18:05.259 him 00:18:05.259 --> 00:18:06.319 to 00:18:06.319 --> 00:18:06.579 do 00:18:06.579 --> 00:18:07.079 more 00:18:07.079 --> 00:18:07.859 damage 00:18:07.859 --> 00:18:08.099 to 00:18:08.099 --> 00:18:08.599 himself 00:18:08.599 --> 00:18:09.139 and 00:18:09.139 --> 00:18:09.339 to 00:18:09.339 --> 00:18:10.059 perpetuate 00:18:10.059 --> 00:18:10.599 his 00:18:10.599 --> 00:18:11.019 addiction. 00:18:11.740 --> 00:18:12.019 Giving 00:18:12.019 --> 00:18:12.279 money 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:12.500 to 00:18:12.500 --> 00:18:12.659 a 00:18:12.659 --> 00:18:13.019 chronic 00:18:13.019 --> 00:18:13.740 gambler 00:18:13.740 --> 00:18:14.059 is a 00:18:14.059 --> 00:18:14.259 sure 00:18:14.259 --> 00:18:14.679 way 00:18:14.679 --> 00:18:15.459 to 00:18:15.459 --> 00:18:15.899 squander 00:18:15.899 --> 00:18:16.119 what 00:18:16.119 --> 00:18:16.279 the 00:18:16.279 --> 00:18:16.459 Lord 00:18:16.459 --> 00:18:16.699 has 00:18:16.699 --> 00:18:17.159 entrusted 00:18:17.159 --> 00:18:17.399 to 00:18:17.399 --> 00:18:17.659 you 00:18:17.659 --> 00:18:18.479 and 00:18:18.479 --> 00:18:18.639 it 00:18:18.639 --> 00:18:18.919 doesn't 00:18:18.919 --> 00:18:19.199 help 00:18:19.199 --> 00:18:19.339 him 00:18:19.339 --> 00:18:19.539 out 00:18:19.539 --> 00:18:19.839 one 00:18:19.839 --> 00:18:20.139 bit. 00:18:21.139 --> 00:18:21.659 Giving 00:18:21.659 --> 00:18:21.859 a 00:18:21.859 --> 00:18:22.159 second 00:18:22.159 --> 00:18:22.619 or a 00:18:22.619 --> 00:18:22.839 third 00:18:22.839 --> 00:18:23.219 or a 00:18:23.219 --> 00:18:23.500 fourth 00:18:23.500 --> 00:18:23.799 loan 00:18:23.799 --> 00:18:24.199 to a 00:18:24.199 --> 00:18:24.919 shopaholic 00:18:24.920 --> 00:18:26.360 is 00:18:26.360 --> 00:18:26.700 not 00:18:26.700 --> 00:18:27.080 meeting 00:18:27.080 --> 00:18:27.320 their 00:18:27.320 --> 00:18:27.720 need. 00:18:29.220 --> 00:18:29.860 Giving 00:18:29.860 --> 00:18:30.140 money 00:18:30.140 --> 00:18:30.340 to 00:18:30.340 --> 00:18:30.620 someone 00:18:30.620 --> 00:18:30.820 who 00:18:30.820 --> 00:18:30.980 is 00:18:30.980 --> 00:18:31.440 lazy 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:32.320 and 00:18:32.320 --> 00:18:32.740 unwilling 00:18:32.740 --> 00:18:33.000 to 00:18:33.000 --> 00:18:33.320 work 00:18:33.320 --> 00:18:34.320 only 00:18:34.320 --> 00:18:35.160 perpetuates 00:18:35.160 --> 00:18:35.340 and 00:18:35.340 --> 00:18:36.539 reinforces 00:18:36.539 --> 00:18:37.340 that 00:18:37.340 --> 00:18:37.940 laziness. 00:18:38.880 --> 00:18:39.080 The 00:18:39.080 --> 00:18:39.440 Apostle 00:18:39.440 --> 00:18:39.640 Paul 00:18:39.640 --> 00:18:40.140 himself 00:18:40.140 --> 00:18:40.480 laid 00:18:40.480 --> 00:18:40.779 down 00:18:40.779 --> 00:18:41.500 this 00:18:41.500 --> 00:18:41.779 rule 00:18:41.779 --> 00:18:41.940 in 00:18:41.940 --> 00:18:42.080 the 00:18:42.080 --> 00:18:42.440 churches 00:18:42.440 --> 00:18:43.620 as 00:18:43.620 --> 00:18:43.740 he 00:18:43.740 --> 00:18:43.920 went 00:18:43.920 --> 00:18:44.220 about 00:18:44.220 --> 00:18:44.539 as 00:18:44.539 --> 00:18:44.680 a 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:44.980 missionary. 00:18:44.980 --> 00:18:45.240 This 00:18:45.240 --> 00:18:45.340 is 00:18:45.340 --> 00:18:45.460 what 00:18:45.460 --> 00:18:45.560 he 00:18:45.560 --> 00:18:45.759 wrote 00:18:45.759 --> 00:18:45.900 to 00:18:45.900 --> 00:18:46.060 the 00:18:46.060 --> 00:18:47.440 Thessalonians. 00:18:47.880 --> 00:18:49.320 2 Thessalonians 00:18:49.320 --> 00:18:49.580 3 00:18:49.580 --> 00:18:49.800 verse 00:18:49.800 --> 00:18:50.080 10. 00:18:50.160 --> 00:18:50.200 He 00:18:50.200 --> 00:18:50.380 said, 00:18:50.380 --> 00:18:59.640 So there 00:18:59.640 --> 00:18:59.800 are 00:18:59.800 --> 00:19:00.080 these 00:19:00.080 --> 00:19:00.780 situations 00:19:00.780 --> 00:19:02.860 and 00:19:02.860 --> 00:19:03.640 what we 00:19:03.640 --> 00:19:03.980 have to 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:04.480 figure out 00:19:04.480 --> 00:19:04.760 in these 00:19:04.760 --> 00:19:05.300 situations 00:19:05.300 --> 00:19:05.920 is what 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:06.200 a 00:19:06.200 --> 00:19:06.720 person's 00:19:06.720 --> 00:19:06.960 need 00:19:06.960 --> 00:19:07.280 really 00:19:07.280 --> 00:19:07.740 is. 00:19:09.180 --> 00:19:09.440 And 00:19:09.440 --> 00:19:09.980 sometimes 00:19:09.980 --> 00:19:10.660 in 00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:11.140 situations 00:19:11.140 --> 00:19:11.480 like 00:19:11.480 --> 00:19:11.740 these 00:19:11.740 --> 00:19:11.960 it's 00:19:11.960 --> 00:19:12.380 not 00:19:12.380 --> 00:19:12.740 more 00:19:12.740 --> 00:19:13.060 money. 00:19:14.780 --> 00:19:15.380 It's 00:19:15.380 --> 00:19:15.640 okay 00:19:15.640 --> 00:19:16.040 to say 00:19:16.040 --> 00:19:16.400 no 00:19:16.400 --> 00:19:16.800 to the 00:19:16.800 --> 00:19:17.000 one 00:19:17.000 --> 00:19:17.500 asking 00:19:17.500 --> 00:19:17.780 to 00:19:17.780 --> 00:19:18.080 borrow 00:19:18.080 --> 00:19:19.320 in 00:19:19.320 --> 00:19:19.720 these 00:19:19.720 --> 00:19:20.660 circumstances. 00:19:21.400 --> 00:19:21.940 And 00:19:21.940 --> 00:19:22.039 it 00:19:22.039 --> 00:19:22.200 has 00:19:22.200 --> 00:19:22.460 nothing 00:19:22.460 --> 00:19:22.680 to 00:19:22.680 --> 00:19:22.940 do 00:19:22.940 --> 00:19:23.400 with 00:19:23.400 --> 00:19:23.620 whether 00:19:23.620 --> 00:19:23.839 they 00:19:23.839 --> 00:19:24.000 will 00:19:24.000 --> 00:19:24.319 repay 00:19:24.319 --> 00:19:24.640 you. 00:19:25.380 --> 00:19:25.720 It's 00:19:25.720 --> 00:19:25.920 about 00:19:25.920 --> 00:19:26.160 whether 00:19:26.160 --> 00:19:26.460 they're 00:19:26.460 --> 00:19:26.779 truly 00:19:26.779 --> 00:19:27.039 in 00:19:27.039 --> 00:19:27.299 need 00:19:27.299 --> 00:19:27.460 of 00:19:27.460 --> 00:19:27.600 what 00:19:27.600 --> 00:19:27.779 they're 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:28.100 asking 00:19:28.100 --> 00:19:28.480 for 00:19:28.480 --> 00:19:29.140 and 00:19:29.140 --> 00:19:29.339 whether 00:19:29.339 --> 00:19:29.579 the 00:19:29.579 --> 00:19:29.799 thing 00:19:29.799 --> 00:19:29.980 that 00:19:29.980 --> 00:19:30.120 you 00:19:30.120 --> 00:19:30.600 give 00:19:30.600 --> 00:19:32.019 or 00:19:32.019 --> 00:19:32.480 lend 00:19:32.480 --> 00:19:34.000 is 00:19:34.000 --> 00:19:34.339 actually 00:19:34.339 --> 00:19:34.700 meeting 00:19:34.700 --> 00:19:35.000 that 00:19:35.000 --> 00:19:35.339 need. 00:19:36.259 --> 00:19:36.640 So 00:19:36.640 --> 00:19:36.759 we're 00:19:36.759 --> 00:19:37.039 talking 00:19:37.039 --> 00:19:37.640 specifically 00:19:37.640 --> 00:19:37.900 about 00:19:37.900 --> 00:19:38.100 the 00:19:38.100 --> 00:19:38.500 addict, 00:19:39.019 --> 00:19:39.740 the 00:19:39.740 --> 00:19:40.240 gambler, 00:19:41.140 --> 00:19:41.279 the 00:19:41.279 --> 00:19:42.019 shopaholic, 00:19:42.500 --> 00:19:43.799 or the 00:19:43.799 --> 00:19:44.319 freeloader 00:19:44.319 --> 00:19:44.640 who's 00:19:44.640 --> 00:19:45.059 unwilling 00:19:45.059 --> 00:19:45.360 to 00:19:45.360 --> 00:19:45.640 work. 00:19:47.000 --> 00:19:47.100 And 00:19:47.100 --> 00:19:47.460 here 00:19:47.460 --> 00:19:47.720 too, 00:19:47.779 --> 00:19:48.059 we have 00:19:48.059 --> 00:19:48.339 to be 00:19:48.339 --> 00:19:48.640 careful 00:19:48.640 --> 00:19:48.900 with 00:19:48.900 --> 00:19:49.160 this. 00:19:49.160 --> 00:19:49.420 At 00:19:49.420 --> 00:19:49.580 the 00:19:49.580 --> 00:19:49.759 end 00:19:49.759 --> 00:19:49.880 of 00:19:49.880 --> 00:19:49.980 the 00:19:49.980 --> 00:19:50.220 day, 00:19:50.300 --> 00:19:50.500 we 00:19:50.500 --> 00:19:50.920 can't 00:19:50.920 --> 00:19:51.480 control 00:19:51.480 --> 00:19:52.720 how a 00:19:52.720 --> 00:19:53.040 person 00:19:53.040 --> 00:19:53.660 spends 00:19:53.660 --> 00:19:54.960 what we 00:19:54.960 --> 00:19:55.180 give 00:19:55.180 --> 00:19:55.440 them 00:19:55.440 --> 00:19:57.620 or what 00:19:57.620 --> 00:19:58.000 we lend 00:19:58.000 --> 00:19:58.340 to them. 00:19:58.460 --> 00:19:58.640 Maybe 00:19:58.640 --> 00:19:59.160 they spent 00:19:59.160 --> 00:19:59.519 it all 00:19:59.519 --> 00:19:59.779 on 00:19:59.779 --> 00:20:00.240 groceries, 00:20:00.440 --> 00:20:00.700 but the 00:20:00.700 --> 00:20:01.000 kind of 00:20:01.000 --> 00:20:01.400 stuff that 00:20:01.400 --> 00:20:01.800 they buy 00:20:01.800 --> 00:20:02.120 is that 00:20:02.120 --> 00:20:02.960 really expensive 00:20:02.960 --> 00:20:03.560 convenience 00:20:03.560 --> 00:20:04.040 food. 00:20:05.040 --> 00:20:05.480 And 00:20:05.480 --> 00:20:06.000 the money 00:20:06.000 --> 00:20:06.300 could have 00:20:06.300 --> 00:20:06.920 gone a lot 00:20:06.920 --> 00:20:07.620 further if 00:20:07.620 --> 00:20:07.980 they had 00:20:07.980 --> 00:20:08.759 bought some 00:20:08.759 --> 00:20:09.480 more staple 00:20:09.480 --> 00:20:10.100 foods and 00:20:10.100 --> 00:20:10.460 did some 00:20:10.460 --> 00:20:10.820 cooking. 00:20:10.819 --> 00:20:10.899 money. 00:20:12.240 --> 00:20:12.839 But 00:20:12.839 --> 00:20:13.099 God's 00:20:13.099 --> 00:20:13.240 not 00:20:13.240 --> 00:20:13.740 asking us 00:20:13.740 --> 00:20:14.179 to ensure 00:20:14.179 --> 00:20:14.759 that every 00:20:14.759 --> 00:20:15.819 dollar that 00:20:15.819 --> 00:20:16.319 we give is 00:20:16.319 --> 00:20:17.059 spent wisely. 00:20:18.279 --> 00:20:19.039 Maybe they 00:20:19.039 --> 00:20:19.720 spend half of 00:20:19.720 --> 00:20:20.000 it on 00:20:20.000 --> 00:20:21.720 groceries and 00:20:21.720 --> 00:20:22.879 the other half 00:20:22.879 --> 00:20:23.579 on cigarettes. 00:20:24.399 --> 00:20:25.279 We can't 00:20:25.279 --> 00:20:25.839 always let 00:20:25.839 --> 00:20:27.079 that thought 00:20:27.079 --> 00:20:27.759 of how they 00:20:27.759 --> 00:20:28.220 will spend 00:20:28.220 --> 00:20:28.500 it. 00:20:30.379 --> 00:20:31.200 We can't 00:20:31.200 --> 00:20:31.740 let it stop 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.099 us from 00:20:32.099 --> 00:20:32.859 being generous 00:20:32.859 --> 00:20:34.159 and lending 00:20:34.159 --> 00:20:34.679 to those 00:20:34.679 --> 00:20:35.119 in need. 00:20:35.119 --> 00:20:36.579 Back in 00:20:36.579 --> 00:20:36.859 the day 00:20:36.859 --> 00:20:37.239 our church 00:20:37.239 --> 00:20:37.739 was part 00:20:37.739 --> 00:20:38.500 of the 00:20:38.500 --> 00:20:38.839 Davidson 00:20:38.839 --> 00:20:39.399 Interchurch 00:20:39.399 --> 00:20:39.919 Association 00:20:39.919 --> 00:20:40.939 and we 00:20:40.939 --> 00:20:41.219 used to 00:20:41.219 --> 00:20:41.599 issue 00:20:41.599 --> 00:20:42.500 vouchers for 00:20:42.500 --> 00:20:43.239 groceries or 00:20:43.239 --> 00:20:43.879 gas to 00:20:43.879 --> 00:20:44.479 people in 00:20:44.479 --> 00:20:44.719 need. 00:20:45.719 --> 00:20:46.039 Anybody 00:20:46.039 --> 00:20:46.539 who asked 00:20:46.539 --> 00:20:46.919 for one. 00:20:47.559 --> 00:20:47.939 And the 00:20:47.939 --> 00:20:48.279 list of 00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:48.719 people who 00:20:48.719 --> 00:20:49.339 took advantage 00:20:49.339 --> 00:20:49.719 of that 00:20:49.719 --> 00:20:50.179 and used 00:20:50.179 --> 00:20:51.119 that every 00:20:51.119 --> 00:20:51.599 year was 00:20:51.599 --> 00:20:52.159 relatively 00:20:52.159 --> 00:20:52.679 small. 00:20:53.239 --> 00:20:53.839 We had a 00:20:53.839 --> 00:20:54.339 limit of 00:20:54.339 --> 00:20:55.139 three vouchers 00:20:55.139 --> 00:20:55.639 per year 00:20:55.639 --> 00:20:55.939 that we 00:20:55.939 --> 00:20:56.419 would give 00:20:56.419 --> 00:20:57.339 and there 00:20:57.339 --> 00:20:57.579 was a 00:20:57.579 --> 00:20:58.079 possibility 00:20:58.079 --> 00:20:58.479 you could 00:20:58.479 --> 00:20:59.000 get more 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:00.639 in exceptional 00:21:00.639 --> 00:21:01.239 cases. 00:21:02.139 --> 00:21:02.979 I remember 00:21:02.979 --> 00:21:03.459 one time 00:21:03.459 --> 00:21:03.899 giving a 00:21:03.899 --> 00:21:04.599 voucher to 00:21:04.599 --> 00:21:05.240 a person. 00:21:05.379 --> 00:21:05.559 It was 00:21:05.559 --> 00:21:05.939 the third 00:21:05.939 --> 00:21:07.119 voucher for 00:21:07.119 --> 00:21:07.519 the year. 00:21:09.259 --> 00:21:09.699 And as I 00:21:09.699 --> 00:21:10.019 was there 00:21:10.019 --> 00:21:10.539 dropping it 00:21:10.539 --> 00:21:10.919 off I 00:21:10.919 --> 00:21:11.399 could see 00:21:11.399 --> 00:21:11.699 on the 00:21:11.699 --> 00:21:12.299 table the 00:21:12.299 --> 00:21:12.899 kinds of 00:21:12.899 --> 00:21:13.839 groceries that 00:21:13.839 --> 00:21:14.319 they were 00:21:14.319 --> 00:21:14.859 buying. 00:21:16.059 --> 00:21:16.419 And I 00:21:16.419 --> 00:21:16.899 was thinking 00:21:16.899 --> 00:21:17.359 wow. 00:21:18.240 --> 00:21:19.079 They still 00:21:19.079 --> 00:21:19.639 managed to 00:21:19.639 --> 00:21:20.399 find room 00:21:20.399 --> 00:21:20.759 in their 00:21:20.759 --> 00:21:21.579 very very 00:21:21.579 --> 00:21:22.339 tight budget 00:21:22.339 --> 00:21:22.839 for a 00:21:22.839 --> 00:21:23.699 16 pack 00:21:23.699 --> 00:21:24.439 of carbonated 00:21:24.439 --> 00:21:25.159 soft drinks 00:21:25.159 --> 00:21:25.759 and numerous 00:21:25.759 --> 00:21:26.339 bags of 00:21:26.339 --> 00:21:27.019 chips and 00:21:27.019 --> 00:21:27.639 junk food. 00:21:29.379 --> 00:21:30.219 I told 00:21:30.219 --> 00:21:30.519 them that 00:21:30.519 --> 00:21:31.099 our policy 00:21:31.099 --> 00:21:32.059 was three 00:21:32.059 --> 00:21:32.819 vouchers and 00:21:32.819 --> 00:21:33.159 that this 00:21:33.159 --> 00:21:33.799 was the last 00:21:33.799 --> 00:21:34.119 for the 00:21:34.119 --> 00:21:34.379 year. 00:21:35.439 --> 00:21:35.899 But that 00:21:35.899 --> 00:21:36.099 if he 00:21:36.099 --> 00:21:36.480 was willing 00:21:36.480 --> 00:21:36.980 to accept 00:21:36.980 --> 00:21:37.519 help with 00:21:37.519 --> 00:21:38.099 learning some 00:21:38.099 --> 00:21:38.919 good financial 00:21:38.919 --> 00:21:40.159 management skills 00:21:40.159 --> 00:21:41.379 I'd be happy 00:21:41.379 --> 00:21:41.919 to help with 00:21:41.919 --> 00:21:42.159 that. 00:21:42.379 --> 00:21:42.799 I'd be happy 00:21:42.799 --> 00:21:43.839 to look over 00:21:43.839 --> 00:21:45.619 your expenses 00:21:45.619 --> 00:21:46.500 for the month 00:21:46.500 --> 00:21:47.179 and see if we 00:21:47.179 --> 00:21:47.819 can bring those 00:21:47.819 --> 00:21:48.199 down. 00:21:48.319 --> 00:21:48.799 Happy to look 00:21:48.799 --> 00:21:49.359 at how we 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:49.899 can bring your 00:21:49.899 --> 00:21:50.500 income up. 00:21:50.679 --> 00:21:51.339 Just brainstorm 00:21:51.339 --> 00:21:52.179 some ideas. 00:21:52.659 --> 00:21:53.240 Come up with a 00:21:53.240 --> 00:21:53.899 monthly budget. 00:21:54.559 --> 00:21:55.219 I offered him 00:21:55.219 --> 00:21:56.099 a free 00:21:56.099 --> 00:21:57.079 Christian 00:21:57.079 --> 00:21:58.259 financial management 00:21:58.259 --> 00:21:58.879 course that he 00:21:58.879 --> 00:21:59.259 could take 00:21:59.259 --> 00:21:59.719 online. 00:22:00.659 --> 00:22:01.059 And of course 00:22:01.059 --> 00:22:01.599 he expressed 00:22:01.599 --> 00:22:02.399 his thanks and 00:22:02.399 --> 00:22:03.119 said he'd think 00:22:03.119 --> 00:22:03.559 about it. 00:22:03.559 --> 00:22:04.659 but I didn't 00:22:04.659 --> 00:22:05.059 hear much 00:22:05.059 --> 00:22:05.460 from him 00:22:05.460 --> 00:22:06.460 for a long 00:22:06.460 --> 00:22:07.019 time after 00:22:07.019 --> 00:22:07.319 that. 00:22:08.819 --> 00:22:09.720 Sometimes not 00:22:09.720 --> 00:22:10.319 having any 00:22:10.319 --> 00:22:12.220 money is 00:22:12.220 --> 00:22:13.079 just a symptom. 00:22:14.899 --> 00:22:15.619 What's the 00:22:15.619 --> 00:22:16.279 deeper need? 00:22:18.500 --> 00:22:19.019 Surprisingly, 00:22:19.359 --> 00:22:20.039 the loving thing 00:22:20.039 --> 00:22:20.579 to do in 00:22:20.579 --> 00:22:21.399 certain situations 00:22:21.399 --> 00:22:23.119 is not to 00:22:23.119 --> 00:22:23.539 give more 00:22:23.539 --> 00:22:25.220 money but to 00:22:25.220 --> 00:22:25.859 talk with that 00:22:25.859 --> 00:22:26.259 person. 00:22:27.599 --> 00:22:28.240 Spend time 00:22:28.240 --> 00:22:28.679 with them. 00:22:28.680 --> 00:22:30.060 understand what 00:22:30.060 --> 00:22:31.080 is it that 00:22:31.080 --> 00:22:31.580 they really 00:22:31.580 --> 00:22:32.799 need and 00:22:32.799 --> 00:22:33.259 what are some 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:34.180 solutions that 00:22:34.180 --> 00:22:34.600 can help 00:22:34.600 --> 00:22:35.160 meet that, 00:22:35.860 --> 00:22:36.460 that I can 00:22:36.460 --> 00:22:37.340 provide. 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:39.000 Surprisingly, 00:22:39.240 --> 00:22:39.900 the unloving 00:22:39.900 --> 00:22:40.500 thing to do 00:22:40.500 --> 00:22:41.720 might be to 00:22:41.720 --> 00:22:42.320 just throw a 00:22:42.320 --> 00:22:43.759 $20 bill at 00:22:43.759 --> 00:22:46.299 them and say 00:22:46.299 --> 00:22:47.000 hope this helps 00:22:47.000 --> 00:22:47.660 and drive away. 00:22:49.860 --> 00:22:50.799 So we have to 00:22:50.799 --> 00:22:51.519 be wise in how 00:22:51.519 --> 00:22:52.220 we apply this 00:22:52.220 --> 00:22:52.920 imperative of 00:22:52.920 --> 00:22:54.060 Jesus about 00:22:54.060 --> 00:22:55.220 lending to 00:22:55.220 --> 00:22:55.640 those who 00:22:55.640 --> 00:22:56.000 ask. 00:22:56.000 --> 00:22:57.680 We can't 00:22:57.680 --> 00:22:58.240 expect that 00:22:58.240 --> 00:22:58.779 what we give 00:22:58.779 --> 00:22:59.339 or lend will 00:22:59.339 --> 00:23:00.039 always be used 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:00.799 wisely or 00:23:00.799 --> 00:23:01.119 well. 00:23:02.259 --> 00:23:02.940 But we 00:23:02.940 --> 00:23:03.440 remember, 00:23:03.980 --> 00:23:04.539 as Jesus 00:23:04.539 --> 00:23:05.220 says here, 00:23:06.279 --> 00:23:06.920 that God 00:23:06.920 --> 00:23:07.880 is kind 00:23:07.880 --> 00:23:09.279 to the 00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:09.859 ungrateful 00:23:09.859 --> 00:23:11.299 and the 00:23:11.299 --> 00:23:11.559 wicked. 00:23:12.960 --> 00:23:13.839 In Matthew's 00:23:13.839 --> 00:23:14.220 gospel, 00:23:14.380 --> 00:23:15.160 Matthew 5, 00:23:15.339 --> 00:23:15.940 verse 45, 00:23:17.819 --> 00:23:20.940 Jesus says 00:23:20.940 --> 00:23:21.380 that God 00:23:21.380 --> 00:23:22.180 causes his 00:23:22.180 --> 00:23:23.259 son to 00:23:23.259 --> 00:23:24.059 rise on 00:23:24.059 --> 00:23:24.599 the evil 00:23:24.599 --> 00:23:25.839 and the 00:23:25.839 --> 00:23:26.099 good. 00:23:27.359 --> 00:23:27.720 And he 00:23:27.720 --> 00:23:28.259 sends rain 00:23:28.259 --> 00:23:28.539 on the 00:23:28.539 --> 00:23:28.839 righteous 00:23:28.839 --> 00:23:30.299 and the 00:23:30.299 --> 00:23:30.939 unrighteous. 00:23:32.220 --> 00:23:32.959 He is 00:23:32.959 --> 00:23:33.399 merciful. 00:23:33.559 --> 00:23:33.980 He doesn't 00:23:33.980 --> 00:23:34.599 just deal 00:23:34.599 --> 00:23:35.159 with us 00:23:35.159 --> 00:23:36.299 as we 00:23:36.299 --> 00:23:36.759 deserve. 00:23:37.659 --> 00:23:38.139 And so as 00:23:38.139 --> 00:23:38.740 his children, 00:23:38.879 --> 00:23:39.279 there may be 00:23:39.279 --> 00:23:39.899 times when we 00:23:39.899 --> 00:23:40.959 give or we 00:23:40.959 --> 00:23:41.799 lend at cost 00:23:41.799 --> 00:23:42.539 to ourselves 00:23:42.539 --> 00:23:43.619 only to watch 00:23:43.619 --> 00:23:44.519 it be squandered 00:23:44.519 --> 00:23:46.759 or misused. 00:23:48.039 --> 00:23:48.959 But just like 00:23:48.959 --> 00:23:49.759 we haven't used 00:23:49.759 --> 00:23:50.419 all that God 00:23:50.419 --> 00:23:51.099 has entrusted 00:23:51.099 --> 00:23:51.699 to us 00:23:51.699 --> 00:23:52.339 perfectly, 00:23:53.659 --> 00:23:54.059 then he 00:23:54.059 --> 00:23:54.740 continues to 00:23:54.740 --> 00:23:55.660 be generous 00:23:55.660 --> 00:23:56.700 and giving 00:23:56.700 --> 00:23:57.339 to us 00:23:57.339 --> 00:23:59.000 so we 00:23:59.000 --> 00:23:59.440 should be 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:00.539 to others. 00:24:02.620 --> 00:24:03.200 Let's 00:24:03.200 --> 00:24:03.920 remember again 00:24:03.920 --> 00:24:04.319 that the 00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:04.900 day of 00:24:04.900 --> 00:24:05.339 reward 00:24:05.339 --> 00:24:06.380 is coming 00:24:06.380 --> 00:24:08.000 and for 00:24:08.000 --> 00:24:08.759 every wrong 00:24:08.759 --> 00:24:09.400 we have 00:24:09.400 --> 00:24:09.759 suffered, 00:24:10.420 --> 00:24:11.120 for every 00:24:11.120 --> 00:24:11.839 unkind thing 00:24:11.839 --> 00:24:12.640 done or 00:24:12.640 --> 00:24:13.120 said to 00:24:13.120 --> 00:24:13.480 us, 00:24:13.859 --> 00:24:14.920 if we 00:24:14.920 --> 00:24:15.319 bear it 00:24:15.319 --> 00:24:15.900 with grace 00:24:15.900 --> 00:24:17.559 and return 00:24:17.559 --> 00:24:18.480 only love, 00:24:19.339 --> 00:24:20.660 our reward 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:22.259 will be 00:24:22.259 --> 00:24:23.200 great on 00:24:23.200 --> 00:24:23.700 that day. 00:24:25.299 --> 00:24:25.980 We'll look 00:24:25.980 --> 00:24:26.599 back on those 00:24:26.599 --> 00:24:27.099 moments and 00:24:27.099 --> 00:24:27.359 think, 00:24:27.859 --> 00:24:29.079 it's okay. 00:24:30.400 --> 00:24:31.240 It hurt, 00:24:32.119 --> 00:24:33.480 it cost, 00:24:35.240 --> 00:24:35.740 but God 00:24:35.740 --> 00:24:36.240 has now 00:24:36.240 --> 00:24:36.839 returned to 00:24:36.839 --> 00:24:37.460 me far 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:39.339 more than 00:24:39.339 --> 00:24:39.740 they took 00:24:39.740 --> 00:24:40.079 away. 00:24:42.319 --> 00:24:43.039 So we're 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:43.339 meant to 00:24:43.339 --> 00:24:43.819 let that 00:24:43.819 --> 00:24:44.440 promise of 00:24:44.440 --> 00:24:44.900 reward 00:24:44.900 --> 00:24:46.299 motivate us 00:24:46.299 --> 00:24:46.960 and strengthen 00:24:46.960 --> 00:24:47.400 us and 00:24:47.400 --> 00:24:48.240 encourage us 00:24:48.240 --> 00:24:49.079 when we 00:24:49.079 --> 00:24:49.940 feel the 00:24:49.940 --> 00:24:50.299 struggle 00:24:50.299 --> 00:24:51.480 and pain 00:24:51.480 --> 00:24:52.660 and loss 00:24:52.660 --> 00:24:53.200 from others. 00:24:54.880 --> 00:24:55.420 There's 00:24:55.420 --> 00:24:55.920 another thing 00:24:55.920 --> 00:24:56.339 here that 00:24:56.339 --> 00:24:56.940 Jesus says 00:24:56.940 --> 00:24:57.460 to motivate 00:24:57.460 --> 00:24:58.960 us and 00:24:58.960 --> 00:24:59.339 we've talked 00:24:59.339 --> 00:24:59.759 about this 00:24:59.759 --> 00:25:00.240 already in 00:25:00.240 --> 00:25:00.640 the past 00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:00.960 weeks, 00:25:01.120 --> 00:25:01.599 but you 00:25:01.599 --> 00:25:02.099 can never 00:25:02.099 --> 00:25:02.559 hear this 00:25:02.559 --> 00:25:03.120 too much. 00:25:04.500 --> 00:25:05.200 God is 00:25:05.200 --> 00:25:05.880 only asking 00:25:05.880 --> 00:25:06.819 us to be 00:25:06.819 --> 00:25:07.380 like him 00:25:07.380 --> 00:25:09.039 and to 00:25:09.039 --> 00:25:09.620 do as he 00:25:09.620 --> 00:25:10.000 does. 00:25:11.039 --> 00:25:11.599 He is 00:25:11.599 --> 00:25:11.920 like a 00:25:11.920 --> 00:25:12.279 father 00:25:12.279 --> 00:25:13.519 teaching 00:25:13.519 --> 00:25:15.180 us, 00:25:16.120 --> 00:25:16.539 his 00:25:16.539 --> 00:25:16.960 children, 00:25:16.960 --> 00:25:18.259 to do 00:25:18.259 --> 00:25:18.559 what is 00:25:18.559 --> 00:25:19.319 good and 00:25:19.319 --> 00:25:19.579 right, 00:25:19.660 --> 00:25:20.059 to do 00:25:20.059 --> 00:25:20.640 as he 00:25:20.640 --> 00:25:21.059 does. 00:25:23.059 --> 00:25:23.720 And what 00:25:23.720 --> 00:25:24.240 is God 00:25:24.240 --> 00:25:24.880 like? 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:27.759 If someone 00:25:27.759 --> 00:25:28.180 asks you 00:25:28.180 --> 00:25:28.819 that question, 00:25:29.019 --> 00:25:29.440 what's the 00:25:29.440 --> 00:25:29.819 first thing 00:25:29.819 --> 00:25:30.180 that comes 00:25:30.180 --> 00:25:30.640 to mind? 00:25:31.819 --> 00:25:32.460 What is 00:25:32.460 --> 00:25:33.100 God like? 00:25:34.319 --> 00:25:35.000 The typical 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:35.480 words we 00:25:35.480 --> 00:25:36.039 might use 00:25:36.039 --> 00:25:37.019 are loving, 00:25:38.200 --> 00:25:38.660 merciful, 00:25:39.299 --> 00:25:39.660 gracious, 00:25:41.620 --> 00:25:42.039 forgiving, 00:25:42.640 --> 00:25:43.539 and Jesus 00:25:43.539 --> 00:25:44.279 uses these 00:25:44.279 --> 00:25:44.640 words, 00:25:44.860 --> 00:25:45.620 mercy and 00:25:45.620 --> 00:25:46.160 love, 00:25:46.240 --> 00:25:46.500 in this 00:25:46.500 --> 00:25:46.900 passage, 00:25:46.960 --> 00:25:47.360 throughout 00:25:47.360 --> 00:25:47.640 this 00:25:47.640 --> 00:25:48.039 section, 00:25:48.579 --> 00:25:50.559 but in 00:25:50.559 --> 00:25:51.100 this entire 00:25:51.100 --> 00:25:51.559 passage, 00:25:51.700 --> 00:25:52.019 I love 00:25:52.019 --> 00:25:52.579 these words 00:25:52.579 --> 00:25:53.079 of Jesus 00:25:53.079 --> 00:25:53.680 the most. 00:25:54.079 --> 00:25:54.440 What is 00:25:54.440 --> 00:25:55.019 God like? 00:25:56.319 --> 00:25:56.920 Let me 00:25:56.920 --> 00:25:57.380 tell you, 00:25:57.640 --> 00:25:58.440 says Jesus, 00:25:59.480 --> 00:26:02.059 he is 00:26:02.059 --> 00:26:02.440 kind 00:26:02.440 --> 00:26:03.960 to the 00:26:03.960 --> 00:26:04.440 ungrateful. 00:26:07.240 --> 00:26:07.960 He is 00:26:07.960 --> 00:26:08.559 kind 00:26:08.559 --> 00:26:09.799 to the 00:26:09.799 --> 00:26:10.299 ungrateful. 00:26:11.100 --> 00:26:11.519 He is 00:26:11.519 --> 00:26:12.039 kind 00:26:12.039 --> 00:26:12.579 to the 00:26:12.579 --> 00:26:12.860 wicked. 00:26:14.860 --> 00:26:15.539 And it's 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:15.960 really just 00:26:15.960 --> 00:26:16.620 another way of 00:26:16.619 --> 00:26:17.079 saying that 00:26:17.079 --> 00:26:17.279 he's 00:26:17.279 --> 00:26:17.759 merciful, 00:26:18.239 --> 00:26:19.039 that he 00:26:19.039 --> 00:26:19.379 doesn't 00:26:19.379 --> 00:26:19.819 treat us 00:26:19.819 --> 00:26:20.279 according to 00:26:20.279 --> 00:26:20.579 what we 00:26:20.579 --> 00:26:20.979 deserve, 00:26:21.099 --> 00:26:21.500 but so 00:26:21.500 --> 00:26:22.059 much better 00:26:22.059 --> 00:26:22.619 than we 00:26:22.619 --> 00:26:23.079 deserve. 00:26:23.579 --> 00:26:23.859 But I 00:26:23.859 --> 00:26:24.079 don't know, 00:26:24.159 --> 00:26:24.699 something about 00:26:24.699 --> 00:26:25.319 the way this 00:26:25.319 --> 00:26:25.839 is worded, 00:26:25.839 --> 00:26:26.379 it just gets 00:26:26.379 --> 00:26:26.939 to my heart 00:26:26.939 --> 00:26:27.559 every time I 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:27.919 read it. 00:26:28.019 --> 00:26:28.500 He is a 00:26:28.500 --> 00:26:29.079 God who is 00:26:29.079 --> 00:26:30.839 kind to the 00:26:30.839 --> 00:26:31.319 ungrateful. 00:26:31.319 --> 00:26:31.419 people. 00:26:33.220 --> 00:26:33.799 And I 00:26:33.799 --> 00:26:34.279 think of my 00:26:34.279 --> 00:26:34.859 own life, 00:26:36.000 --> 00:26:36.519 and I 00:26:36.519 --> 00:26:36.819 think, 00:26:37.279 --> 00:26:38.639 have I 00:26:38.639 --> 00:26:39.059 been as 00:26:39.059 --> 00:26:39.639 grateful to 00:26:39.639 --> 00:26:40.179 God as 00:26:40.179 --> 00:26:40.720 I should 00:26:40.720 --> 00:26:42.279 be for 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:42.740 all the 00:26:42.740 --> 00:26:43.259 good things 00:26:43.259 --> 00:26:43.599 that he 00:26:43.599 --> 00:26:44.039 has done 00:26:44.039 --> 00:26:44.500 to me 00:26:44.500 --> 00:26:46.399 and for 00:26:46.399 --> 00:26:46.679 me? 00:26:47.159 --> 00:26:47.879 Not even 00:26:47.879 --> 00:26:48.339 close. 00:26:50.059 --> 00:26:50.799 Have I 00:26:50.799 --> 00:26:51.639 been truly 00:26:51.639 --> 00:26:52.019 wicked? 00:26:52.019 --> 00:26:52.099 wicked. 00:26:54.259 --> 00:26:55.099 The Bible 00:26:55.099 --> 00:26:56.000 convicts me 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:58.180 day after 00:26:58.180 --> 00:26:58.500 day, 00:26:58.660 --> 00:26:59.200 week after 00:26:59.200 --> 00:26:59.579 week, 00:27:00.339 --> 00:27:02.299 of my 00:27:02.299 --> 00:27:02.700 sins. 00:27:03.139 --> 00:27:03.859 So many 00:27:03.859 --> 00:27:04.420 times I 00:27:04.420 --> 00:27:04.879 couldn't even 00:27:04.879 --> 00:27:05.279 hope to 00:27:05.279 --> 00:27:05.819 keep count. 00:27:07.279 --> 00:27:08.160 If God 00:27:08.160 --> 00:27:08.779 was to deal 00:27:08.779 --> 00:27:09.420 with me as 00:27:09.420 --> 00:27:10.019 I really 00:27:10.019 --> 00:27:10.579 deserve, 00:27:10.579 --> 00:27:17.759 but he 00:27:17.759 --> 00:27:18.279 hasn't. 00:27:22.119 --> 00:27:22.740 And so 00:27:22.740 --> 00:27:23.179 really what 00:27:23.179 --> 00:27:23.679 he's saying 00:27:23.679 --> 00:27:23.899 is, 00:27:24.000 --> 00:27:24.439 Joshua, 00:27:24.899 --> 00:27:25.639 be like 00:27:25.639 --> 00:27:26.179 your father 00:27:26.179 --> 00:27:26.740 in heaven, 00:27:28.079 --> 00:27:29.099 even to 00:27:29.099 --> 00:27:29.740 the ungrateful 00:27:29.740 --> 00:27:30.199 in your 00:27:30.199 --> 00:27:30.639 life, 00:27:31.359 --> 00:27:31.879 even to 00:27:31.879 --> 00:27:32.419 the wicked, 00:27:32.919 --> 00:27:33.539 the unkind, 00:27:33.699 --> 00:27:34.319 to anyone 00:27:34.319 --> 00:27:35.519 and everyone. 00:27:37.939 --> 00:27:38.699 How can 00:27:38.699 --> 00:27:39.240 we receive 00:27:39.240 --> 00:27:39.919 such kindness 00:27:39.919 --> 00:27:40.559 from God? 00:27:40.579 --> 00:27:40.619 God, 00:27:40.960 --> 00:27:42.220 and then 00:27:42.220 --> 00:27:42.759 turn around 00:27:42.759 --> 00:27:43.359 and withhold 00:27:43.359 --> 00:27:44.339 that from 00:27:44.339 --> 00:27:44.720 others? 00:27:48.399 --> 00:27:49.299 The greatest 00:27:49.299 --> 00:27:50.000 motivation 00:27:50.000 --> 00:27:52.639 and power 00:27:52.639 --> 00:27:54.379 to live 00:27:54.379 --> 00:27:54.960 like Jesus 00:27:54.960 --> 00:27:55.480 commands 00:27:55.480 --> 00:27:56.480 here, 00:27:56.819 --> 00:27:57.579 I would 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:58.059 suggest it 00:27:58.059 --> 00:27:58.500 comes not 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:58.859 from the 00:27:58.859 --> 00:27:59.539 reward that's 00:27:59.539 --> 00:27:59.980 promised, 00:28:00.779 --> 00:28:01.299 but from 00:28:01.299 --> 00:28:01.799 looking at 00:28:01.799 --> 00:28:02.259 what God 00:28:02.259 --> 00:28:02.899 himself is 00:28:02.899 --> 00:28:03.759 like and 00:28:03.759 --> 00:28:04.539 just reflecting 00:28:04.539 --> 00:28:05.039 on how 00:28:05.039 --> 00:28:05.579 he has 00:28:05.579 --> 00:28:06.259 loved me. 00:28:06.259 --> 00:28:10.819 despite my 00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:11.559 mistreatment 00:28:11.559 --> 00:28:12.099 of him. 00:28:14.359 --> 00:28:15.059 And when 00:28:15.059 --> 00:28:15.500 we come to 00:28:15.500 --> 00:28:16.039 that place 00:28:16.039 --> 00:28:16.640 of gazing 00:28:16.640 --> 00:28:17.359 on him 00:28:17.359 --> 00:28:19.379 and seeing 00:28:19.379 --> 00:28:20.920 his mercy, 00:28:21.099 --> 00:28:21.920 his grace 00:28:21.920 --> 00:28:22.859 towards us, 00:28:23.660 --> 00:28:24.440 his goodness 00:28:24.440 --> 00:28:25.700 to us 00:28:25.700 --> 00:28:26.279 who have 00:28:26.279 --> 00:28:27.619 ignored him, 00:28:28.519 --> 00:28:29.200 hated him, 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:30.720 insulted him, 00:28:30.720 --> 00:28:33.900 how he has 00:28:33.900 --> 00:28:34.360 given to 00:28:34.360 --> 00:28:35.339 us without 00:28:35.339 --> 00:28:35.920 expecting 00:28:35.920 --> 00:28:36.700 anything in 00:28:36.700 --> 00:28:37.100 return, 00:28:38.100 --> 00:28:39.559 suddenly it's 00:28:39.559 --> 00:28:40.039 not too 00:28:40.039 --> 00:28:41.539 hard to 00:28:41.539 --> 00:28:41.960 love our 00:28:41.960 --> 00:28:42.339 enemies 00:28:42.339 --> 00:28:44.360 or to 00:28:44.360 --> 00:28:44.720 do good 00:28:44.720 --> 00:28:45.279 to those 00:28:45.279 --> 00:28:46.600 who hate 00:28:46.600 --> 00:28:47.160 us or to 00:28:47.160 --> 00:28:47.740 lend without 00:28:47.740 --> 00:28:48.660 expecting anything 00:28:48.660 --> 00:28:49.100 back. 00:28:49.099 --> 00:28:51.740 instead it 00:28:51.740 --> 00:28:52.219 becomes the 00:28:52.219 --> 00:28:53.019 most wonderful 00:28:53.019 --> 00:28:54.579 and beautiful 00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:56.240 privilege in 00:28:56.240 --> 00:28:56.779 the world 00:28:56.779 --> 00:28:59.079 to imitate, 00:28:59.899 --> 00:29:01.079 even to 00:29:01.079 --> 00:29:02.059 try to 00:29:02.059 --> 00:29:03.259 imitate our 00:29:03.259 --> 00:29:03.819 glorious 00:29:03.819 --> 00:29:04.299 father. 00:29:09.179 --> 00:29:10.240 Let's pray. 00:29:10.240 --> 00:29:19.259 Lord, 00:29:19.359 --> 00:29:19.759 these words 00:29:19.759 --> 00:29:20.240 are hard 00:29:20.240 --> 00:29:20.680 to live 00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:21.940 out and 00:29:21.940 --> 00:29:22.220 we can 00:29:22.220 --> 00:29:22.759 probably all 00:29:22.759 --> 00:29:23.140 think of 00:29:23.140 --> 00:29:23.740 situations 00:29:23.740 --> 00:29:24.279 where we 00:29:24.279 --> 00:29:24.819 have been 00:29:24.819 --> 00:29:25.400 wronged 00:29:25.400 --> 00:29:26.980 and hurt. 00:29:29.819 --> 00:29:30.480 But I 00:29:30.480 --> 00:29:30.880 pray that 00:29:30.880 --> 00:29:31.160 you would 00:29:31.160 --> 00:29:31.480 give us 00:29:31.480 --> 00:29:32.099 the strength 00:29:32.099 --> 00:29:33.039 by your 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:33.720 Holy Spirit 00:29:33.720 --> 00:29:34.259 in us 00:29:34.259 --> 00:29:36.160 to live 00:29:36.160 --> 00:29:36.880 like this 00:29:36.880 --> 00:29:38.940 even now 00:29:38.940 --> 00:29:39.500 in those 00:29:39.500 --> 00:29:40.099 relationships 00:29:40.099 --> 00:29:40.599 that are 00:29:40.599 --> 00:29:42.259 still in 00:29:42.259 --> 00:29:43.199 this spot. 00:29:46.799 --> 00:29:47.480 Help us 00:29:47.480 --> 00:29:47.839 not to 00:29:47.839 --> 00:29:48.259 give up 00:29:48.259 --> 00:29:48.779 on doing 00:29:48.779 --> 00:29:49.359 what is 00:29:49.359 --> 00:29:49.839 right and 00:29:49.839 --> 00:29:50.139 what is 00:29:50.139 --> 00:29:50.419 good. 00:29:52.119 --> 00:29:52.819 Fill us 00:29:52.819 --> 00:29:53.119 with a 00:29:53.119 --> 00:29:53.619 love that 00:29:53.619 --> 00:29:54.240 goes beyond 00:29:54.240 --> 00:29:55.079 that natural 00:29:55.079 --> 00:29:56.259 gut instinct 00:29:56.259 --> 00:29:56.679 that we 00:29:56.679 --> 00:29:59.079 have to 00:29:59.079 --> 00:30:00.219 retaliate or 00:30:00.219 --> 00:30:01.159 to ignore 00:30:01.159 --> 00:30:01.779 or to push 00:30:01.779 --> 00:30:02.139 away. 00:30:04.079 --> 00:30:04.759 Let us 00:30:04.759 --> 00:30:05.259 bring glory 00:30:05.259 --> 00:30:05.619 to your 00:30:05.619 --> 00:30:05.939 name. 00:30:05.940 --> 00:30:10.320 help us 00:30:10.320 --> 00:30:10.600 in this 00:30:10.600 --> 00:30:11.059 we pray. 00:30:12.539 --> 00:30:12.820 In 00:30:12.820 --> 00:30:13.059 Jesus 00:30:13.059 --> 00:30:13.440 name. 00:30:13.440 --> 00:30:14.380 Amen.