This commonly used quote is from the Gospels in the Bible, Matthew 5:40-41.
It is a famous verse, and one that comes up from time to time from people who are critical of the Bible.
So, what is your reaction when you read this verse?
As someone in modern American society, these statements would likely be met with contempt, in general.
"What?", they might say. "I'm not giving them someone more than I have to"
Today's society can be self-centered, egoistic and materialistic (at least in America) and people think they should get what they earned by themselves. The principle is central to Republicanism and is widely believed by many.
For example, people, in general, would not want to give anything extra if they didn't have to. This is fair to say.
So why would Jesus say what he did in Matthew 5? After all, the Bible is meant for people today just as much as it was for people in ancient times.
Let's examine two scenarios for illustration.
- Not giving them anything extra, which would be the norm.
While this might be a somewhat typical way of doing business, depending on the situation it might lead to less cooperation. In a lawsuit, of course, you do by what a Judge renders.
But in real life, again depending in the situation, you might come off as "cheap." You could develop a reputation that could hold you back from what you could be
So, as this is not the best illustration without number 2, let's examine the other way.
2. Giving the other person more than what they asked for.
How do you respond if someone gives you more than what you asked for? What reputation do you have then?
While this idea goes beyond reputation it is to make a point.
A fair conclusion that your life would be better off overall if you picked the second choice, which is what Jesus says.
It is also important to note that this verse is not necessarily meant to be taken literally, but to make a point.
The point is the Gospels say to give, even when it is inconvenient.Jesus might have directed this for a number of reasons. We might not even know all of them.
The gist of this post is that what Jesus directs is difficult, and it might take some trying to get it right. It won't be easy or direct, but in the long term your life can be better overall.
This, then, is what brings meaning to life.This post are about meaning, and one thing implied in something with meaning is that there is progression. In this case, it might be doing something that you would not normally think to do on your own. That is, give to others more than what is convenient for you.
But, if it is in the Bible it is important somehow, and especially for your salvation.
So, if you just look at your life as the kind of car you have, the kind of house you have and your possessions, you likely will never be content. But, if you look at your life based on how you improved, learned and developed you might find something interesting.
In the example above, the person in number 2 will probably be more content than the person in number one, regardless of the kind of car they drive or the kind of home they have.
The illustration in the post wasn't the best one, but how about this?
Getting meaning in your life comes from doing more than what is expected every day and it involves progression.If you said, "Let he without sin cast the first stone", most people would probably know what you mean. 9It comes from the Gospel of John) But they would also know how difficult it is to be human and be without sin. Striving for that, though, is still a good thing.
It is the author's opinion that some of what is in the Gospels are ideal situations for you to strive for. Someone wise once said you will never reach higher than you set your mind out to begin with.
Getting meaning out of your life is not simple.
