Matthew 5:42

42 No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.

Matthew 5:42 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 5:42

Give to him that asketh thee
To every man, ( Luke 6:30 ) whether Jew or Gentile; friend or foe; believer or unbeliever; a good, or a bad man; worthy or unworthy; deserving or not, that asketh alms, whether food or money; give it freely, readily, cheerfully, according to your abilities, and as the necessity of the object requires: for such rules are always supposed, and to be observed; and though all are to be relieved, yet the circumstances of persons, and their relation to men, are to be considered, and special regard is to be had to the household of faith.

And from him that would borrow of thee, turn not away;
refuse him not, turn not away from him with a frown, or without speaking to him, or with a denial; look upon him with a pleasant countenance, cheerfully lend him what he wants, whether he be a Jew, from whom it was not lawful to take usury, or a stranger, from whom it, was lawful to take it, yet take it not; lend him freely, "hoping for nothing again", ( Luke 6:35 ) which must not be understood of not hoping for the money lent, for then it would be giving, and not lending; but of not hoping for any reward for lending it: and indeed the money itself is not to be hoped for again, when the circumstances of the borrower are such, that he is not able to make a return.

Matthew 5:42 In-Context

40 If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, giftwrap your best coat and make a present of it.
41 And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life.
42 No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.
43 "You're familiar with the old written law, 'Love your friend,' and its unwritten companion, 'Hate your enemy.'
44 I'm challenging that. I'm telling you to love your enemies. Let them bring out the best in you, not the worst. When someone gives you a hard time, respond with the energies of prayer,
Published by permission. Originally published by NavPress in English as THE MESSAGE: The Bible in Contemporary Language copyright 2002 by Eugene Peterson. All rights reserved.