The 'if' statements of the Bible are designed to make us think about the logic we use to justify our beliefs and lifestyle.  Jesus stirred His trainee apostles to think about why they were kind to people by suggesting that they had the morality of prostitutes ('sinners').  Such people were known to give people what they paid for, love those who loved them, show kindness to kind people, and lend as long as they would be repaid.

It was a harsh analysis of human nature and motivation, but it was necessary.  Most of us will not make radical changes to our lifestyle unless we are radically provoked.  As leaders of the Early Church, these disciples would be demonstrating and teaching a way of life unknown to the religious Jews or the pagan Gentiles.  It was to be a life of self-sacrifice like that of the Lord Jesus (Philippians 2:3-5).

Jesus sets the standard for a new lifestyle: love your enemies, show kindness and lend money to those who cannot repay.  Why?  Because that is the nature of God (Psalm 103:8-12).  In God's economy, grace is the ruling principle - doing good to people who do not deserve it (2 Corinthians 8:9).  That is just as well, because none of us could ever merit all that we receive directly, and indirectly, from God.  His kindness is available to the undeserving, and His generosity is way beyond our ability to repay.  Although the Old Testament taught about God's grace (Isaiah 26:10; Jonah 2:8), it was not until Jesus demonstrated grace, that people could see what it looked like in practice.

The disciples were to learn that they had to receive grace from God; they could not earn it.  And, as they received, they now knew that they had to dispense the same undeserved love to others.  Jesus said that they would be fully rewarded, but not in this life - although we greatly benefit from experiencing His kindness to us despite our unworthiness, ingratitude and wickedness.  If that is so, should we not also behave in the same way - if we really are sons of the Most High?  The workplace may provide excellent opportunities to practise this principle; or indeed, anywhere that the ungrateful and wicked may be found.  To live like that requires an active choice: that is why Jesus gave us a command to action.  All He is seeking is our obedience today.