Luke 6:30
Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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While Jesus calls us to give generously, the phrase "ask them not again" about stolen goods is a profound pivot. It's not just about passively accepting theft, but about refusing to let the loss consume us or lead us to retaliate, thus preserving our inner peace and witness.
Jesus is instructing his disciples, right after choosing the Twelve, on a radical way of life that contrasts sharply with the world's expectations. He has just laid out principles for loving enemies and being merciful, and this verse continues that teaching by emphasizing generosity and non-retaliation when possessions are taken. It's part of a larger discourse about the characteristics of God's kingdom, urging followers to reflect God's own abundant love and forgiveness in their interactions, even with those who wrong them.
Jesus tells us to give to everyone who asks. Sounds impossible, right? But what if this isn't just about money?
Jesus' command here is a radical call to generosity, challenging our natural instinct to hoard or protect our possessions. It’s not a blanket command to give away everything you own without thought, but rather to cultivate a heart that is freely giving and not easily provoked when asked.
Beyond Material Wealth
This generosity extends beyond just material possessions. It’s about giving your time, your energy, your resources, and even your comfort to those in need. The key is the attitude behind the giving – one of open-handedness and a willingness to meet needs as they arise, rather than calculating risk or personal cost.
A Generous Heartset
When someone asks, the default response is to give. This cultivates a heart that trusts God for provision and isn't bound by earthly possessions. It’s a proactive generosity that preempts selfishness and builds bridges of kindness.
What happens when someone takes what’s yours? Jesus' instruction here is surprisingly peaceful, even for the most frustrating situations.
The second part of the verse, 'and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back,' points to a deeper layer of non-resistance and trust in God’s ultimate justice.
Letting Go of Control
This isn't about being a doormat or condoning theft. Instead, it’s about choosing peace over conflict when your possessions are taken. Demanding things back often leads to anger, resentment, and further conflict, which Jesus wants us to avoid.
Trusting God's Sovereignty
When you choose not to demand things back, you are placing your trust in God. You believe that He is the ultimate provider and judge. Even if you suffer loss in the moment, you are preserving your inner peace and your witness to God’s love, trusting that He can restore or that His kingdom’s values are more important than earthly possessions.
This passage directly parallels Jesus' teaching on generosity, urging his followers to 'give to the one who asks' as part of his radical call to love enemies.
Romans 12:20Paul echoes this sentiment by quoting Proverbs, instructing believers to 'heap burning coals on his head' through acts of kindness, transforming enemies rather than retaliating.
1 Corinthians 6:7This verse addresses the tendency for believers to sue one another, suggesting that enduring loss and injustice, rather than seeking legal recourse, better reflects Christ's teachings on surrendering personal rights.
1 John 3:17This passage powerfully connects material possessions with love for God and neighbor, stating that one cannot 'love' God while closing their heart to a brother in need and withholding mercy.
barnesLuke 6:30: "Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."
See Matthew 5:42 .
clarkeLuke 6:30: "Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."
Ask them not again - Or, Do not beg them off. This probably refers to the way in which the tax-gatherers and Roman soldiers used to spoil the people. "When such harpies as these come upon your goods, suffer the injury quietly, leaving yourselves in the hand of God, rather than attempt even to beg off what belongs to you, lest on their part they be provoked to seize or spoil more, and le…
While Jesus calls us to give generously, the phrase "ask them not again" about stolen goods is a profound pivot. It's not just about passively accepting theft, but about refusing to let the loss consume us or lead us to retaliate, thus preserving our inner peace and witness.
Jesus is instructing his disciples, right after choosing the Twelve, on a radical way of life that contrasts sharply with the world's expectations. He has just laid out principles for loving enemies and being merciful, and this verse continues that teaching by emphasizing generosity and non-retaliation when possessions are taken. It's part of a larger discourse about the characteristics of God's kingdom, urging followers to reflect God's own abundant love and forgiveness in their interactions, even with those who wrong them.
Jesus is instructing his disciples, right after choosing the Twelve, on a radical way of life that contrasts sharply with the world's expectations. He has just laid out principles for loving enemies and being merciful, and this verse continues that teaching by emphasizing generosity and non-retaliation when possessions are taken. It's part of a larger discourse about the characteristics of God's kingdom, urging followers to reflect God's own abundant love and forgiveness in their interactions, even with those who wrong them.
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"Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back." — While Jesus calls us to give generously, the phrase "ask them not again" about stolen goods is a profound pivot. It's not just about passively accepting theft, but about refusing to let the loss cons…
