He said
"And if you lend to those from whom you hope to receive, what thanks is it to you ? Even sinners lend to sinners that they may get back an equal amount."
He said if you lend to receive back, don't think you are doing something extraordinary.
Yes, he said this. But, he also said more; if you read further, to 6:35, you see (emphasis added):
quote:
Lk. 6:35 (NRSV):
But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return;
When one reads the passage in its entirety, the charge becomes clear: lend, but do not expect repayment!
This is not a command not to have a treasure.
The 'treasure' against which Jesus is preaching pretty clearly relates to 'earthly possessions'"Do not lay up for yourselves
treasures on earth..." (Mt. 6:19, emphasis added). And in that regard, such a passage is right in line with the topic of this thread: as Earthly beings, is it reasonable to rid ourselves of all Earthly things as Jesus commanded?
So if I am a disciple of Jesus and also a wealthy businessman, My heart should be for the things of God. The money of the company may not be mine to use. But my private wealth can be used for His interests. Supporting the Lord's full time workers, the assistance of needy ones, and even the purchase gospel tracts and spiritual books are easier for such a one because of his wealth.
How do you find this interpretation compatible with the passages in question, which clearly relate the message that 'earthly wealth = bad'? Where in the teaching do you find the exception clause on which this interpretation seems to rely?
Jon
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Ignorance is temporary; you should be able to overcome it. - nwr