How much extremity should be exercised when following these teachings? I mean, if I'm in the middle of a snowstorm and someone asks for my jacket, should I give them my shirt as well, even though I might die of hypothermia? If someone asks for $100, and that money is all I have to buy food for my family, should I give it to them anyways, even if it causes my family to suffer? Please note that I am not challenging these commands from Jesus', but I suspect that Jesus might have intended a line to be drawn somewhere. What are your thoughts?
Blessings!!!
Ye have heard that it hath been said, An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth: But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also.
(Mat 5:38-39)
There is no line. You do what the Lord says do.
He said, you heard that it hath been said............... Pay back, get even to those that have wronged you are try to take from you.
The whole context is not to return evil for evil but give what they asked (Forcefully)
The actually Greek break down is this.
If anyone Forcefully makes you go a mile, go two.
If anyone keeps begging you, just give it to them, and those that want to borrow, don't charge interest if you let them borrow.
If anyone wants to sue you, then give it to them with extra.
However, we need to take the first scripture that started all of what Jesus said.
But let your communication be, Yea, yea; Nay, nay: for whatsoever is more than these cometh of evil.
(Mat 5:37)
Let your yes be yes, and no be no. Don't give answers like "
I will think about it." this keeps people coming to beg until you give in.
Let people know your full intentions, and you don't have to give them whatever they ask.
My default answer to everyone is "NO"
I don't enable people to continue to not serve God, I don't need to tie up my time with your things if I have things God wanted me to do. I don't cast pearls to swine who don't appreciate anything.
If someone where to rob me, I would just hand them what they ask and more.
If someone asked me for my coat, I would tell them no.
We have to be led by the Holy Spirit and He will tell you go help this one or that one.
We can't be anyone's source, God has to be their source.