Transformed Giving in a Materialistic World

Transformed Giving in a Materialistic World

Luke 6: 27-36

" Give to everyone who begs from you; and if anyone take takes away your goods, do not ask for them again"

Jesus walked the roads and footpaths of Galilee announcing the startling news that the long-expected kingdom of peace and righteousness was at hand. Economic relationships in the new community of his followers were a powerful sign confirming this awesome announcement. Certainly Jesus disappointed popular Jewish expectations. He did not recruit an army to drive out the Roman oppressor. But he called and trained disciples with new values, ethics and way of living which upholds a transformed living.

Community of Jesus – This text talks about the very nature of the visible community inaugurated through Christ in this earth in a particular historical time. Jesus taught that the community which follow him should uphold the values of the promised kingdom in a particular living space and public sphere. Jesus redefined the very nature of the relationship of this community including economic relationship. Luke 6:27-35 discusses about love, forgiveness, peace and sharing which govern social, economic, and religious patterns of life.

Voluntary dispossession of self for another. Jesus invited people to his community of love to find joy and security in reciprocity and mutuality. Jesus taught his followers to find our identity in other centeredness and unselfish and sacrificial giving. In this community individual or self is not important but other person is important. Jesus demands a new way of life where people don’t think about themself but think about the needs of others. Jesus inaugurated a new social order -- a new kingdom of faithful followers who were to share unlimited liability for one another. Jesus inaugurated an unselfish community which never thought of accumulation, hoarding and profit driven relationship.

Jesus calls us to be the part of a transformed community where God and Community are important than self. It is a call to consider every human being as part of our identity and existence where God is in the centre.

Prayer: Lord, help us to open our minds and for others and for their existence.  Lord, give enough boldness to share Your Resources(now we claim as our resources) with others which you entrusted to us. Amen.