Empowerment through Generosity

In reflecting on Matthew 5:38-42, I feel that the examples are connected to power. Power over another in a conflict; power over someone in lawsuits; power of soldiers to force civilians to serve them like slaves.

In each of these illustrations, they are already in a position in which they are exerting their power over you; doing more for them seems like enabling them to walk over you even more. The position of power, however, can change through these actions.

You can gain power over someone who insults you by having them follow your terms ("now this cheek"), or by making them look like a jerk in public. Furthermore, when you don't retaliate, you are taking control over the conflict by diffusing it.

If someone has power over you in a lawsuit, giving them more than you're required to would a) put them in a position of debt to you, and b) guilt them into showing an act of kindness towards you (maybe they'd feel forced to give some back?).

(We're not living in the Roman empire now, but go with me on this one.)
If a soldier can make you carry his equipment for 1 mile, and you go the extra mile, you've responded to oppression with generosity. Would he feel like he will get in trouble because it looks like he's making you do more? Would he ask to stop? Who has the power now?

In all of these situations, I see active steps of giving more as a way to take on the position of power in the situations. Not to manipulate the other, but to bring the other with you to a positive relationship.

What about giving to those who beg? Or to those who want to borrow?

Now you're the one starting with the resources, and they're setting you up so that you'd feel awkward if you don't help them. We come up with excuses - lying to the homeless guy that we don't have change - to avoid giving up our possessions, or even to avoid enabling them to spend it on drugs. How do I turn this around to gain empowerment, so that I can create a win/win outcome?

Sure, I carry around $25 in Tim Horton's gift cards that I could potentially give to the homeless guy. But what about my friend who wants to "borrow" something? How can I improve the relationship here?

Maybe I need to be proactive in being generous. If I actually had money, and wasn't surviving off of my parents while in school, would I follow through with generosity?

The norm in our culture is to live for the maximum standard that our income allows. When we get raises, we use it to buy the things that we've previously lived without. It doesn't end - look at the millionaires who have ridiculous possessions.

Will I escape this trap of materialism and empower myself to be generous to others?