In the Gospels, Jesus stresses God’s generosity and our obligation to show generosity. Social mercy begins with the freedom we have because God is so generous: “Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom,” followed by the invitation, “Sell your possessions and give to the poor. Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Luke 12:32-34).
This verse follows the well-known “don’t worry about what you will eat or wear” passage. Jesus wants his followers to know that God’s kingdom is theirs. We are going to inherit unimaginable wealth. We should respond not by putting on airs but by giving away what we have, knowing that abundance awaits us.
If we fail to live up to this ethic, we can expect severe punishment. Jesus’ teaching about the sheep and goats has one clear strain: The sheep are rewarded for their good deeds – feeding the poor, visiting the sick and imprisoned, clothing the naked. And the goats are punished for what they left undone – ignoring those already mentioned. All judgment is based on what individuals did or didn’t do for hurting human beings (Matthew 25:31-46).
Because of this truth, Jesus stresses that the parties we throw need to be the kind that reap heavenly rewards. He tells his disciples that when they have a banquet, they shouldn’t invite the rich or their own relatives. Otherwise, they’ll be repaid and lose any reward. Instead, they should invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind (Luke 14:12-14). Think about this when you plan activities. When you take in a movie, is there a lonely person you can invite to tag along? When you invite friends to a meal, is there someone who is typically left out that you can invite?
This isn’t about theory or feeling or study; it’s about action. Ask God to put someone on your heart today, and then reach out to them in Jesus’ name.
Authentic Faith, 109-10