But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36
“The command of mercy is common to all walks of life, is necessary for people of all ages, and is to be handed down by all. The tax collector is not exempt, nor is the soldier, nor the farmer, nor the city dweller, rich or poor. All are admonished in common to help the one who does not have.”
Ambrose of Milan (c. 339-397) as recounted in On Almsgiving by by Martin Chemnitz (St. Louis: LCMS World Relief and Human Care, 2004) 12.
“The command of mercy is common to all.” Why are we all commanded to give to others what they do not deserve? That’s precisely what Jesus did for us. Only when we go and do likewise do we exhibit Christian generosity. It’s countercultural, for sure, and applies to every follower of Christ, everywhere.
Ambrose was a regional governor who was appointed bishop. In his community service role he connected the sacred and secular worlds into one way of living. The people appointed him bishop because they appreciated how he made sure God’s love and mercy were made known to everyone, everywhere.
What about you? As the command of mercy is common to all, how are you helping those around you who do not have?