Scripture: Luke 6:36-38 (NIV)
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”
In this season of storms and uncertainty—storms of state capture, load shedding, skyrocketing interest rates, and, not to forget, the thunderclouds of corruption and entitlement hanging over us—it’s easy to lose sight of the lighthouse. The atmosphere in South Africa is heavy; it’s like a dark cloud covering the nation, where hopelessness seems to be the forecast of the day.
According to recent data, corruption has cost South Africa an estimated R1.5 trillion since 1994.[1] To put that in perspective: At an average cost of R30,000 per student per year for public education, we could educate about 50 million students for a year. Or at the average cost of building a decent house is estimated at R500,000; one could construct about 3 million homes. In this perilous sea, food, fuel, and electricity prices have spiked like towering waves, and donor fatigue has left many non-profit organisations stranded, struggling to address the dire poverty that grips our communities.
Yet, the lighthouse of God’s Word remains steadfast. Today, let us turn to Luke 6:36-38, a passage that shows us the way to navigate these treacherous waters.
Let’s think of it this way: Imagine the world’s philosophy of living is like a fast-flowing river, sweeping everything along in its path—sometimes destructive, self-centered, and unkind. Jesus invites us to swim upstream, against the current, in a way that grabs attention and raises eyebrows.
He outlines three cornerstone behaviors that form the pillars of this counter-cultural Kingdom lifestyle:
Give Love: This isn’t the superficial, fleeting love the world often talks about. It’s an enduring, unconditional love that reaches out even when there’s nothing to gain in return. It’s the sort of love a dedicated gardener has for a stubborn plant, nurturing and tending it even when it bears no fruit.
Give Blessings: Blessing others goes beyond mere words; it’s a lifestyle choice. It’s like being a persistent raincloud in someone’s life, showering them with goodness, irrespective of the deserts or rocky terrains you might encounter in them. It’s the kind of blessing that transcends mere transactional relationships and enters the realm of transformational experiences.
Forgive: In a world quick to judge and slow to pardon, forgiveness is a revolutionary act. Imagine holding a piece of fragile glass, symbolizing the mistakes and transgressions of others. Most people would throw it away, deeming it useless. But in the Kingdom lifestyle, we carefully mend it, recognising its inherent value and potential for renewal.
Beg: Give to everyone who asks you—with no consideration for their worthiness.
Borrow: Lend to them without expecting to get anything back.
Steal: If anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.
The Core Message: Compassion Amidst Corruption
Jesus tells us, “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:36-38). Mercy is like a lifeboat in the stormy seas of corruption and entitlement. Compassion is the direct opposite of the narcissistic, self-serving agenda we see in the political landscape. Being merciful calls us to care for those drowning in poverty, even as we wrestle with economic crises and an inflated cost of living.
Judgment: A Cautionary Note
The Scripture also says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.” It’s tempting to point fingers at politicians and corporations.
But judgment is a two-edged sword; it reflects back at us. Our criticisms can sometimes reveal entitlement in our own hearts, a subtle form of corruption we are often blind to. While holding leadership accountable is necessary, let us also look within and ask how we can be part of the solution.
The Economics of Grace: The Principle of Sowing and Reaping
“Give, and it will be given to you.” Oh, how counterintuitive this sounds in a nation drained by high interest rates and donor fatigue! But this divine economics is unlike our worldly systems. When we give—whether it’s resources, time, or talent—it creates a cycle of blessings, “a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over.”
Balancing Act: Justice and Compassion
As we tackle these national issues, it’s crucial to adopt a Christological perspective that is both compassionate and just. We must acknowledge that some oppose such a view who would rather maintain the status quo for their own benefit. While understanding their concerns, history teaches us that only a balanced, equitable system can sustain the common good in the long run.
The Best Path Forward
It’s as if we’ve been sailing through a fog of uncertainty, each one of us holding a piece of a shattered compass. Yet, the words of Christ offer us a complete compass and a lighthouse guiding us through these storms. They show us a way that is not only compassionate but also fair and just.
Let us be merciful like our Heavenly Father, standing against corruption and entitlement with grace and love. Let’s be part of divine economics by giving, even when society tells us to hold back. This path, tried and tested over centuries, holds the key to navigating our current crises.
May this message serve as a beacon, leading us from hopelessness to hope, and from despair to an anchored faith in Christ Jesus.
Luke 6:31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.
Amen.
[1] https://www.news24.com/fin24/economy/sa-lost-r15-trillion-to-corruption-in-five-years-and-continues-to-bleed-report-20210623
