Live Your Blessing February 12, 2026 Devotional

MATTHEW 5:42 | ⁴² Give to the one who asks of you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.

MATTHEW 10:16 | ¹⁶ I am sending you out like sheep into the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.

This verse is sometimes used to argue for the unreality or impracticality of Jesus’ ethics. Would it not lead to disaster if implemented directly in our selfish world? Wouldn’t supplies be quickly exhausted by a stream of requests, some legitimate but others not so much? Surely this advice would be a route to rapid impoverishment.

Remember that Jesus is also the teacher who taught “be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” We should act on the basis of a genuine desire to help those in need but do so wisely in a way that helps and does not harm. We must navigate hostile and deceitful environments lest our generosity be exploited for ill-gotten gain, or our resources be wasted in fraudulent ways. Discerning generosity is better than random acts of kindness in most instances. But we must remember that Jesus brought the kingdom of God into our world and it will be our final reality. Our generosity will not be judged by worldly standards of accumulation, wherein the one with the most toys “wins.” Blessing others with our gifts will be the standard and the cause of celebration.

Are you more naturally reptilian or bird-like?

Gracious God,

Your kingdom is real and the ultimate reality. Help me to remember this as I navigate my life in this earthly realm.

Amen.