The Commands of Jesus: Bless Those Who Cannot Repay

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In 1922, American author Emily Post wrote her best selling book “Etiquette” and in so doing became the definitive voice in American manners.

What should you do when invited to a party? Emily writes,

“Your most important obligation as a guest is to respond to the invitation immediately, especially if you are unable to attend. At the very least, it allows your host and hostess enough time to give an accurate count to the caterer.”

             Good advice!

How should you behave at a wedding?
             “Be on time, wear appropriate clothing and be respectful during the marriage ceremony. Pay your respects to the hosts, the wedding party and other guests at the reception.”

Hey, this Emily knows her stuff! I guess they didn’t call her the “Mistress of Manners” for nothing.

But Mrs. Post is not the only one with excellent advice on proper party etiquette.

In Luke chapter 14, Jesus said this,

“When you put on a luncheon or a banquet,” he said, “don’t invite your friends, brothers, relatives, and rich neighbors. For they will invite you back, and that will be your only reward. Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.” (Luke 14:12-14)

Having a party? Better check you guest list.
Make sure that you are not inviting the “who’s who” but the “who’s that?”

Going out to lunch, heading out to the big game, catching the latest movie?
Invite those who cannot pay you back because when you do… God has got your back.

As followers of Christ we must resist our natural tendency to socialize only with those who are socially accepted, and instead we must deliberately fraternize with the socially rejected.

I’m not sure what Emily Post would think of such etiquette and advice.

But Jesus demands it.