John Calvin Commentary Matthew 5:42

"Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." — Matthew 5:42 (ASV)

Give to him that asketh thee. Though the words of Christ, which are related by Matthew, appear to command us to give to all without discrimination, yet we gather a different meaning from Luke, who explains the whole matter more fully.

First, it is certain that it was the design of Christ to make His disciples generous, but not prodigals; and it would be a foolish prodigality to scatter at random what the Lord has given us.

Again, we see the rule which the Spirit lays down in another passage for liberality.

Let us therefore hold, first, that Christ exhorts His disciples to be liberal and generous; and next, that the way of doing this is not to think that they have discharged their duty when they have aided a few persons, but to strive to be kind to all, and not to grow weary of giving, as long as they have the means.

Besides, so that no one may raise trivial objections to the words of Matthew, let us compare what is said by Luke.

Christ affirms that when, in lending or doing other acts of kindness, we look for a mutual reward, we perform no part of our duty to God. He thus draws a distinction between charity and carnal friendship.

Ungodly men have no unselfish affection for each other, but only a self-serving regard. Thus, as Plato judiciously observes, every man draws on himself that affection which he has for others.

But Christ demands from His own people unselfish beneficence, and bids them strive to aid the poor, from whom nothing can be expected in return.

We now see what it is to have an open hand to petitioners: it is to be generously disposed to all who need our assistance and who cannot return the favor.