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No one likes to be a doormat. Certainly Jesus does not call us to be doormats, though there are times when we may feel like it. Will we run into people who will try to take advantage of our generosity, goodwill, and mercy? Yes. Will there be those who seemingly get away with it? Yes again.

So let me pose a question. Is being merciful, kind, and generous to enemies a matter of faith? I believe that it is. It is human nature not to want to be robbed. We have locks on our doors, alarms on our cars, and pin numbers on our accounts. We do not want to make it easy for people to take advantage of us.

What do we do then, with these instructions?

"Love your enemies and do good to those who hate you … give to everyone who asks of you and whoever takes away what is yours, do not demand it back (Luke 6:27-30)."

These sorts of instructions rub against the very grain of our being. This is why I believe that being generous with our enemies is a matter of faith. It takes faith to give to those who may never return the favor. It takes faith to realize that we lose nothing when the ungrateful take advantage of us or mistreat us. We need to keep in mind that God takes notice. That is why Paul said,

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary (Gal 6:9)."