We imagine a God who likes to bargain with us. One who says, “If you do this for me, I’ll take care of you.” We have this idea of a tit for tat God. One who retaliates or rewards based on our actions.
In our attempt to understand God, we have reduced Him to our level. We attribute our characteristics to Him. Bargaining is what humans do. We try to strike the best deal in our transactions. We believe in “an eye for an eye” and that “there is no such thing as a free lunch”. Our ideas of justice and fairness are meshed in with individual rights and responsibilities.
Here is what Jesus had to say about this subject:
"Here's another old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' Is that going to get us anywhere? Here's what I propose: 'Don't hit back at all.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you into court and sues for the shirt off your back, gift-wrap your best coat and make a present of it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit-for-tat stuff. Live generously.” (Matt. 5:38-42 MSG)
If this is what Jesus expects of us humans, why do we expect any less of God?
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