31-34 “Here is a simple rule of thumb for behavior: Ask yourself what you want people to do for you; then grab the initiative and do it for them! If you only love the lovable, do you expect a pat on the back? Run-of-the-mill sinners do that. If you only help those who help you, do you expect a medal? Garden-variety sinners do that. If you only give for what you hope to get out of it, do you think that’s charity? The stingiest of pawnbrokers does that.

35-36 “I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it. Live out this God-created identity the way our Father lives toward us, generously and graciously, even when we’re at our worst. Our Father is kind; you be kind.

37-38 “Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment. Don’t condemn those who are down; that hardness can boomerang. Be easy on people; you’ll find life a lot easier. Give away your life; you’ll find life given back, but not merely given back—given back with bonus and blessing. Giving, not getting, is the way. Generosity begets generosity.”

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31 Do to others as you would have them do to you.(A)

32 “If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?(B) Even sinners love those who love them. 33 And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even sinners do that. 34 And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you?(C) Even sinners lend to sinners, expecting to be repaid in full. 35 But love your enemies, do good to them,(D) and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children(E) of the Most High,(F) because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful,(G) just as your Father(H) is merciful.

Judging Others(I)

37 “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.(J) Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.(K) 38 Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.(L) For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.”(M)

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