"Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap in mercy" (Hosea 10:12)
The Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25:14-30)
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'
But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”
At a recent seminar I went to, one of the speakers asked us to consider what would make us cry with regret at our 70th birthday party. Typically, it is not what we did that we regret or the mistakes we made when we took risks, but what we failed to do and give of ourselves. In this case, the servant cried with regret, in darkness, with 'weeping and gnashing of teeth,' over not doing anything with the gift of a talent that had been freely given to him by his lord.
Another question often asked is, 'What do you want people to say about you at your funeral?' What people will most often talk about at a funeral is what we have sown in their lives. It is what we have invested in others, by believing in them, encouraging them, being there for them, and giving of ourselves that in the end, really makes a difference. What matters is how we loved others and made a difference in their lives, not how much money we made or how successful on the worlds terms we were.
Sarah Young writes in my devotional as a word from the Lord, “The world's way of pursing riches is grasping and hoarding. You attain My riches by letting go and giving. The more you give yourself to Me and My ways, the more I fill you with inexpressible, heavenly Joy.”[1]
As St. Francis of Assisi notes, “For it is in giving that we receive.” [2] As David Johnson has noted at times in a sermon, it is in giving and not getting that we find joy. [3] We are filled with joy when we give ourselves freely away to others.
Paul says about the church in 2 Corinthians 8:1, “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.”
However, this giving is not an impersonal giving away of what we have. Giving of ourselves requires more than going through the motions -it involves loving others. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:3 (ESV), “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
St. Francis of Assisi prays, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.” [4]
Loving others means more than standing at an arms length distance from others, giving to them what we have left over. When hearing a sad story about someone, it is easy to have sympathy and throw a little money in a basket for them. Most of us prefer this kind of giving.
And it is not a bad thing to care about someone and want to help by contributing something towards it. However, it could also be an excuse for us to remain at a distance. It may be a way we can feel good about ourselves for doing something kind, while at the same time, not being too inconvenienced or risk too much.
This was not how Jesus responded to the needs of others. Jesus entered into the lives of the tax collectors and sinners, becoming their friend and genuinely loving them. He told the Pharisees when they questioned him about who He was hanging out with, “But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.'” (Matthew 9:13)
In Matthew 8:7, Jesus told the centurion who came to Him pleading with him to heal his servant, “I will come and heal him.” Jesus reached out his hands and his heart to those who needed Him. The leper came to Him and told Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus responded by putting his hand on him and touching him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
“If I'm gonna give you my hands, I'm gonna mean it... Teach me how to worship You. Don't let these just be words...” sings.
Isaiah 58 paints a picture of the problem with substituting sacrifice for mercy. The Lord pointed out that all their sacrifices were a waste of time if they were not also willing to enter into acts of mercy - sharing His heart. The people of God were fasting but at the same time, they were seeking their own pleasure and exploiting their laborers (Is. 58:3).
John Maxwell writes about these verses, “The practice of fasting goes much deeper than the act of going without food. God declares that He delights not merely in His people going without some daily staples, but in loosing the 'bonds of wickedness' and undoing 'heavy burdens' of those they have oppressed (Is 58:6).” [5]
He goes on to write, “Fasting is fine and good -and these days we don't do it enough- but to fast while continuing to harbor destructive thoughts and oppressive attitudes does not reflect godly leadership... Consider what God expects from the 'fasted life':
"1. Liberate those who are oppressed (v. 6).
2. Share resources with the needy (v. 7).
3. Provide shelter to the homeless (v. 7).
4. Supply clothing to the naked (v. 7).
5. Stop accusing and judging others (v. 9).” [6]
David proclaims in Psalm 51:16-17, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Commentary notes, “He demanded sacrifices, even from David; but His pleasure is in the person who comes obediently to Him (Gen. 4:1–7; John 4:21–24; Rom. 12:1, 2). Actions not accompanied by a contrite heart are not acceptable to God (Is. 1:12–20).” [7]
The Lord says in Isaiah 1:12-17, “When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.”
It is in mercy that one supplies the needs of the homeless. James 2:15-16 says, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does about his physical needs, what good is it?”
However, mercy also reaches out in love to those in need to give of themselves. As an example, Stefan Van Voorst mentioned in a sermon or during worship that when he ran into a homeless man who was asking for money, he stopped long enough to asked the name of the man and find out his story.[8]
Mercy in this case is the Hebrew word eleeo, Strongs #1653. It means to show kindness or concern for someone in serious need, feel compassion for, or have pity. It is also used for those who take care of the sick. Hayford's Bible Handboook associates it with benevolence and notes, “Mercy is not merely a passive emotion, but an active desire to remove the cause of distress in others.” [9]
Mercy also means loving someone in all their weaknesses. Hosea 12:6 says, “So you, by the help of your God, return; Observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually.”
Mercy in this case is the Hebrew word racham, Strong’s #7355: It means to have compassion and to tenderly regard someone, to tenderly love (especially as parents love their infant child). As the Hayford Bible Handbook notes, God wants us to show compassion toward all who are weak and defenseless. And writes, “God sets the example by His constant compassion for the helpless and undeserving (Is. 54:8, 10).” [10]
This kind of mercy goes beyond feeling pity for someone in a difficult situation and exercising unmerited generosity towards them. It also means to see their weakness and not judge them for it. Rather than pointing ones finger and speaking poorly about a person for their weaknesses, this kind of mercy extends one's hand to help and heal (Is. 58:10).
So what if the person does not respond well to us when we reach out to them in love and mercy? Isaiah reminds us that Jesus was persecuted as well. Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
It is not how the person responds to us that matters but our willingness to move towards them. Jesus says in Matthew 10:40, “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent me.” And He reminds us in Matthew 10:42, “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
Whenever we sow by loving others, we reap spiritually. Hosea 10:12-13 says, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.”
When someone responds to our efforts to love them by causing us harm or taking from us, we are to turn the other cheek and maintain a giving attitude towards them rather than retaliate with like behavior (Matthew 5:38-42).[a]
Jesus reminds us with love really looks like in Matthew 43-48 when He says, “You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the veil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
The law kills but the Spirit gives life (2 Cor. 3:6). To love others well and to give to those who harm us is not something we can do in our own power. We need the Spirit of God within us to bear the fruit of love in our lives.
Jesus says in John 15:4, 9,10-12 says, “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me... As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
In the place of receiving God's love, we then overflow with His love towards others. If we are not abiding in God's love and receiving it from Him, we will naturally look to other sources to meet our needs. When we love others, it will be full of our own motives. We will have hooks in our love, expecting something in return rather than allowing His love to be free-flowing to others.
Jesus confronted spiritual leaders for their wrong motives for their spiritual activities in Matthew. They were doing what they thought to be all the right things, but they were doing them with the wrong motives. They secretly desired to be approved of by man more than to receive the approval of God. They were trying to get their life from their ministry rather than God. As they looked to man to meet their need for approval, what they were doing was sowing to the flesh. Jesus confronted them for doing this. All their activities were counterproductive to their spiritual growth and bearing fruit.
Paul says in Galatians 6:7-9 (ESV), “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who -sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
It is only in sowing to the Spirit that we reap spiritual fruit. In Matthew 6:1 Jesus says, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
And in Matthew 6:5 Jesus says, “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
In Matthew 6:16 Jesus tells the leaders, “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
In all these cases, the people received the reward they were seeking -the approval of man. Rather, Jesus tells us to seek after eternal rewards. In Mathew 6:19-21, Jesus goes on to say, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
When we have our eyes on those things that are eternal rather than the world as our source of gain, we see that God is sufficient to supply all that we need for the day. In in that place of trusting Him for what we need, we can freely give to others, looking out for their best interests. We seek win-win solutions where both people gain.
Steven Covey writes that the way that we look at the world and act reflect our motives. He writes,
“ - The motive of win-lose is to beat.
- The motive of lose-win is to placate or appease.
- The motive of lose-lose is to take the other person down with you.
- The motive of win-win is to benefit mutually.” [11]
It is often a scarcity mentality that causes us to seek our own gain at the expense of others. As Steven Covey once mentioned, someone who has a scarcity mentality sees the world like a pie that can be cut into only so many pieces. For me to receive a piece of pie, means that others will receive a smaller piece or none at all. For me to have, means you cannot have. Therefore, I will try to secure for myself as much of the pie as I can gain while keeping you from getting any.
An abundance mentality on the other hand, believes there is more than enough for everyone. The more I give away, the bigger the pie gets and the greater the potential. Steven Covey writes that people with an abundance mentality deeply value other people and recognize the potential for a third alternative to one person gaining at the expense of the other - where both win. [12]
When someone is standing in the place of an abundance mentality, where there is more than enough to go around, we see that the more we give away to others of ourselves and our gifts, the more we gain for ourselves. We do not need to stand back and hold tightly onto what we have, using our energy to protect it. Rather, we can freely give what we have away with open hands. By investing in the benefit of others, we sow into their lives and reap for ourselves treasure in heaven. We also increase the potential for God's kingdom to come forth in greater measure for all of us. The pie just keeps getting bigger!
Jesus says in Matthew 13:12, “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
And Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV), “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
Lord, forgive us wherever we have chosen sacrifice over mercy rather than sacrifice along with mercy. Forgive us where we have failed to love others and give our lives away to them freely. Deepen and widen our hearts to carry your mercy for others. (Lord, I have especially struggled with this at times - not slowing down enough and taking the time for the people around me when it doesn't fit in my schedule. Forgive me and help me to slow down more and make more room for others.)
Forgive us where we have judged others for their faults rather than see it as an opportunity to extend Your mercy. Give us grace for other's weaknesses. (Lord, another area I could use extra help). And forgive us where we have held onto a scarcity mentality. Free us to serve You. Would you broaden our horizons. Help us to see the world in light of who You are and Your unlimited potential. Give us an abundance mentality. Would you help us to become more empty of ourselves that we may be filled with the fullness of Your kingdom purposes and fruit.
a. As I mentioned last week, there are times that the action of absorbing someone's anger while not striking back or speaking up speaks volumes about who we are, what we believe, and our capacity to love, more than words ever could. However, there are also times that what people need from us most is not a sentimental love but strong boundaries and consequences for their behaviors so that they learn more appropriate choices.
1. Young, Sarah. Jesus Calling. Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN. 2008.
2, 4. Saint Francis of Assisi. Quotes from: Thinkexist.com. Located at: http://thinkexist.com/quotation/for_it_is_in_giving_that_we_receive/14808.html Last Accessed: 5/10/11.
3. Johnson, David. Sr. Pastor at Church of the Open Door, Maple Grove, MN.
5-6. Maxwell, John. The Maxwell Leadership Bible, Second Edition. NKJV. Lessons in Leadership from the Word of God. Thomas Nelson. Nashville, Tennessee. 2007.
7. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Ps 51:16
8. Van Voorst, Stefan. Pastor at Church of the Open Door, Maple Grove, MN.
9-10. Hayford, Jack W. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Hayford's Bible Handbook. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995
11-12, Covey, Steven. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Renewal Applications. Franklin Covey Co. 1998.
“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man traveling to a far country, who called his own servants and delivered his goods to them. And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey. Then he who had received the five talents went and traded with them, and made another five talents. And likewise he who had received two gained two more also. But he who had received one went and dug in the ground, and hid his lord's money. After a long time the lord of those servants came and settled accounts with them.
So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' He also who had received two talents came and said, 'Lord, you delivered to me two talents; look, I have gained two more talents besides them.' His lord said to him, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.'
Then he who had received the one talent came and said, 'Lord, I knew you to be a hard man, reaping where you have not sown, and gathering where you have not scattered seed. And I was afraid, and went and hid your talent in the ground. Look, there you have what is yours.'
But his lord answered and said to him, 'You wicked and lazy servant, you knew that I reap where I have not sown, and gather where I have not scattered seed. So you ought to have deposited my money with the bankers, and at my coming I would have received back my own with interest. So take the talent from him, and give it to him who has ten talents.
For to everyone who has, more will be given, and he will have abundance; but from him who does not have, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the unprofitable servant into the outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.'”
At a recent seminar I went to, one of the speakers asked us to consider what would make us cry with regret at our 70th birthday party. Typically, it is not what we did that we regret or the mistakes we made when we took risks, but what we failed to do and give of ourselves. In this case, the servant cried with regret, in darkness, with 'weeping and gnashing of teeth,' over not doing anything with the gift of a talent that had been freely given to him by his lord.
Another question often asked is, 'What do you want people to say about you at your funeral?' What people will most often talk about at a funeral is what we have sown in their lives. It is what we have invested in others, by believing in them, encouraging them, being there for them, and giving of ourselves that in the end, really makes a difference. What matters is how we loved others and made a difference in their lives, not how much money we made or how successful on the worlds terms we were.
Sarah Young writes in my devotional as a word from the Lord, “The world's way of pursing riches is grasping and hoarding. You attain My riches by letting go and giving. The more you give yourself to Me and My ways, the more I fill you with inexpressible, heavenly Joy.”[1]
As St. Francis of Assisi notes, “For it is in giving that we receive.” [2] As David Johnson has noted at times in a sermon, it is in giving and not getting that we find joy. [3] We are filled with joy when we give ourselves freely away to others.
Paul says about the church in 2 Corinthians 8:1, “We want you to know, brothers, about the grace of God that has been given among the churches of Macedonia, for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.”
However, this giving is not an impersonal giving away of what we have. Giving of ourselves requires more than going through the motions -it involves loving others. Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:3 (ESV), “If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.”
St. Francis of Assisi prays, “Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; and where there is sadness, joy.” [4]
Loving others means more than standing at an arms length distance from others, giving to them what we have left over. When hearing a sad story about someone, it is easy to have sympathy and throw a little money in a basket for them. Most of us prefer this kind of giving.
And it is not a bad thing to care about someone and want to help by contributing something towards it. However, it could also be an excuse for us to remain at a distance. It may be a way we can feel good about ourselves for doing something kind, while at the same time, not being too inconvenienced or risk too much.
This was not how Jesus responded to the needs of others. Jesus entered into the lives of the tax collectors and sinners, becoming their friend and genuinely loving them. He told the Pharisees when they questioned him about who He was hanging out with, “But go and learn what this means: 'I desire mercy and not sacrifice.'” (Matthew 9:13)
In Matthew 8:7, Jesus told the centurion who came to Him pleading with him to heal his servant, “I will come and heal him.” Jesus reached out his hands and his heart to those who needed Him. The leper came to Him and told Him, “Lord, if You are willing, You can make me clean.” Jesus responded by putting his hand on him and touching him, saying, “I am willing; be cleansed.”
“If I'm gonna give you my hands, I'm gonna mean it... Teach me how to worship You. Don't let these just be words...” sings.
Isaiah 58 paints a picture of the problem with substituting sacrifice for mercy. The Lord pointed out that all their sacrifices were a waste of time if they were not also willing to enter into acts of mercy - sharing His heart. The people of God were fasting but at the same time, they were seeking their own pleasure and exploiting their laborers (Is. 58:3).
John Maxwell writes about these verses, “The practice of fasting goes much deeper than the act of going without food. God declares that He delights not merely in His people going without some daily staples, but in loosing the 'bonds of wickedness' and undoing 'heavy burdens' of those they have oppressed (Is 58:6).” [5]
He goes on to write, “Fasting is fine and good -and these days we don't do it enough- but to fast while continuing to harbor destructive thoughts and oppressive attitudes does not reflect godly leadership... Consider what God expects from the 'fasted life':
"1. Liberate those who are oppressed (v. 6).
2. Share resources with the needy (v. 7).
3. Provide shelter to the homeless (v. 7).
4. Supply clothing to the naked (v. 7).
5. Stop accusing and judging others (v. 9).” [6]
David proclaims in Psalm 51:16-17, “You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise.”
Commentary notes, “He demanded sacrifices, even from David; but His pleasure is in the person who comes obediently to Him (Gen. 4:1–7; John 4:21–24; Rom. 12:1, 2). Actions not accompanied by a contrite heart are not acceptable to God (Is. 1:12–20).” [7]
The Lord says in Isaiah 1:12-17, “When you come to appear before me, who has required of you this trampling of my courts? Bring no more vain offerings; incense is an abomination to me. New moon and Sabbath and the calling of convocations—I cannot endure iniquity and solemn assembly.
Your new moons and your appointed feasts my soul hates; they have become a burden to me; I am weary of bearing them. When you spread out your hands, I will hide my eyes from you; even though you make many prayers, I will not listen; your hands are full of blood.
Wash yourselves; make yourselves clean; remove the evil of your deeds from before my eyes; cease to do evil, learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow's cause.”
It is in mercy that one supplies the needs of the homeless. James 2:15-16 says, “Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does about his physical needs, what good is it?”
However, mercy also reaches out in love to those in need to give of themselves. As an example, Stefan Van Voorst mentioned in a sermon or during worship that when he ran into a homeless man who was asking for money, he stopped long enough to asked the name of the man and find out his story.[8]
Mercy in this case is the Hebrew word eleeo, Strongs #1653. It means to show kindness or concern for someone in serious need, feel compassion for, or have pity. It is also used for those who take care of the sick. Hayford's Bible Handboook associates it with benevolence and notes, “Mercy is not merely a passive emotion, but an active desire to remove the cause of distress in others.” [9]
Mercy also means loving someone in all their weaknesses. Hosea 12:6 says, “So you, by the help of your God, return; Observe mercy and justice, and wait on your God continually.”
Mercy in this case is the Hebrew word racham, Strong’s #7355: It means to have compassion and to tenderly regard someone, to tenderly love (especially as parents love their infant child). As the Hayford Bible Handbook notes, God wants us to show compassion toward all who are weak and defenseless. And writes, “God sets the example by His constant compassion for the helpless and undeserving (Is. 54:8, 10).” [10]
This kind of mercy goes beyond feeling pity for someone in a difficult situation and exercising unmerited generosity towards them. It also means to see their weakness and not judge them for it. Rather than pointing ones finger and speaking poorly about a person for their weaknesses, this kind of mercy extends one's hand to help and heal (Is. 58:10).
So what if the person does not respond well to us when we reach out to them in love and mercy? Isaiah reminds us that Jesus was persecuted as well. Isaiah 53:3 says, “He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.”
It is not how the person responds to us that matters but our willingness to move towards them. Jesus says in Matthew 10:40, “He who receives you receives Me, and he who receives Me receives Him who sent me.” And He reminds us in Matthew 10:42, “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward.”
Whenever we sow by loving others, we reap spiritually. Hosea 10:12-13 says, “Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the LORD, till he come and rain righteousness upon you. Ye have plowed wickedness, ye have reaped iniquity; ye have eaten the fruit of lies: because thou didst trust in thy way, in the multitude of thy mighty men.”
When someone responds to our efforts to love them by causing us harm or taking from us, we are to turn the other cheek and maintain a giving attitude towards them rather than retaliate with like behavior (Matthew 5:38-42).[a]
Jesus reminds us with love really looks like in Matthew 43-48 when He says, “You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the veil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet your brethren only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the tax collectors do so? Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.”
The law kills but the Spirit gives life (2 Cor. 3:6). To love others well and to give to those who harm us is not something we can do in our own power. We need the Spirit of God within us to bear the fruit of love in our lives.
Jesus says in John 15:4, 9,10-12 says, “As the branch cannot bear fruit of itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me... As the Father loved Me, I also have loved you; abide in My love, just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love. These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full. This is My commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
In the place of receiving God's love, we then overflow with His love towards others. If we are not abiding in God's love and receiving it from Him, we will naturally look to other sources to meet our needs. When we love others, it will be full of our own motives. We will have hooks in our love, expecting something in return rather than allowing His love to be free-flowing to others.
Jesus confronted spiritual leaders for their wrong motives for their spiritual activities in Matthew. They were doing what they thought to be all the right things, but they were doing them with the wrong motives. They secretly desired to be approved of by man more than to receive the approval of God. They were trying to get their life from their ministry rather than God. As they looked to man to meet their need for approval, what they were doing was sowing to the flesh. Jesus confronted them for doing this. All their activities were counterproductive to their spiritual growth and bearing fruit.
Paul says in Galatians 6:7-9 (ESV), “Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap. For the one who -sows to his own flesh will from the flesh reap corruption, but the one who sows to the Spirit will from the Spirit reap eternal life. And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.”
It is only in sowing to the Spirit that we reap spiritual fruit. In Matthew 6:1 Jesus says, “Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven.”
And in Matthew 6:5 Jesus says, “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
In Matthew 6:16 Jesus tells the leaders, “Moreover, when you fast, do not be like the hypocrites, with a sad countenance. For they disfigure their faces that they may appear to men to be fasting. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward.”
In all these cases, the people received the reward they were seeking -the approval of man. Rather, Jesus tells us to seek after eternal rewards. In Mathew 6:19-21, Jesus goes on to say, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasure on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal; but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
When we have our eyes on those things that are eternal rather than the world as our source of gain, we see that God is sufficient to supply all that we need for the day. In in that place of trusting Him for what we need, we can freely give to others, looking out for their best interests. We seek win-win solutions where both people gain.
Steven Covey writes that the way that we look at the world and act reflect our motives. He writes,
“ - The motive of win-lose is to beat.
- The motive of lose-win is to placate or appease.
- The motive of lose-lose is to take the other person down with you.
- The motive of win-win is to benefit mutually.” [11]
It is often a scarcity mentality that causes us to seek our own gain at the expense of others. As Steven Covey once mentioned, someone who has a scarcity mentality sees the world like a pie that can be cut into only so many pieces. For me to receive a piece of pie, means that others will receive a smaller piece or none at all. For me to have, means you cannot have. Therefore, I will try to secure for myself as much of the pie as I can gain while keeping you from getting any.
An abundance mentality on the other hand, believes there is more than enough for everyone. The more I give away, the bigger the pie gets and the greater the potential. Steven Covey writes that people with an abundance mentality deeply value other people and recognize the potential for a third alternative to one person gaining at the expense of the other - where both win. [12]
When someone is standing in the place of an abundance mentality, where there is more than enough to go around, we see that the more we give away to others of ourselves and our gifts, the more we gain for ourselves. We do not need to stand back and hold tightly onto what we have, using our energy to protect it. Rather, we can freely give what we have away with open hands. By investing in the benefit of others, we sow into their lives and reap for ourselves treasure in heaven. We also increase the potential for God's kingdom to come forth in greater measure for all of us. The pie just keeps getting bigger!
Jesus says in Matthew 13:12, “For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him.”
And Paul says in 2 Corinthians 9:6-8 (ESV), “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.”
Lord, forgive us wherever we have chosen sacrifice over mercy rather than sacrifice along with mercy. Forgive us where we have failed to love others and give our lives away to them freely. Deepen and widen our hearts to carry your mercy for others. (Lord, I have especially struggled with this at times - not slowing down enough and taking the time for the people around me when it doesn't fit in my schedule. Forgive me and help me to slow down more and make more room for others.)
Forgive us where we have judged others for their faults rather than see it as an opportunity to extend Your mercy. Give us grace for other's weaknesses. (Lord, another area I could use extra help). And forgive us where we have held onto a scarcity mentality. Free us to serve You. Would you broaden our horizons. Help us to see the world in light of who You are and Your unlimited potential. Give us an abundance mentality. Would you help us to become more empty of ourselves that we may be filled with the fullness of Your kingdom purposes and fruit.
a. As I mentioned last week, there are times that the action of absorbing someone's anger while not striking back or speaking up speaks volumes about who we are, what we believe, and our capacity to love, more than words ever could. However, there are also times that what people need from us most is not a sentimental love but strong boundaries and consequences for their behaviors so that they learn more appropriate choices.
1. Young, Sarah. Jesus Calling. Thomas Nelson, Nashville, TN. 2008.
2, 4. Saint Francis of Assisi. Quotes from: Thinkexist.com. Located at: http://thinkexist.com/quotation/for_it_is_in_giving_that_we_receive/14808.html Last Accessed: 5/10/11.
3. Johnson, David. Sr. Pastor at Church of the Open Door, Maple Grove, MN.
5-6. Maxwell, John. The Maxwell Leadership Bible, Second Edition. NKJV. Lessons in Leadership from the Word of God. Thomas Nelson. Nashville, Tennessee. 2007.
7. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Ps 51:16
8. Van Voorst, Stefan. Pastor at Church of the Open Door, Maple Grove, MN.
9-10. Hayford, Jack W. ; Thomas Nelson Publishers: Hayford's Bible Handbook. Nashville : Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1995
11-12, Covey, Steven. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People: Renewal Applications. Franklin Covey Co. 1998.
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