Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 3
In the Francis of Assisi story, the “best friend” is the person who repays good with evil because that enemy becomes an opportunity for eternal reward; what does that assumption reveal about God’s priorities and the economy of the kingdom, and what parts of it sound offensive or transactional to modern ears?
Another way to ask: In the Francis of Assisi story, why would an enemy be called your “best friend” because they bring reward? What does that say about what God values, and what feels offensive or like a “deal” to people today?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
David uses Francis to argue that God prioritizes eternal reward tied to loving enemies, so the “economy” of the kingdom treats unjust suffering as an opportunity to gain something lasting; it can sound offensive because it frames an enemy’s evil as useful and can feel like pain is being turned into a spiritual transaction.
- Francis defines the “best friend” as one “who treats you unjustly… slanders you.”
- His reason: “Because he can bring you eternal rewards,” whereas kind friends do “very little… eternally.”
- David grounds this in Jesus’ teaching: love enemies and pray for persecutors “so that you may prove yourself sons of your Father,” and asks, “what reward do you have?” (Matthew 5:43–46).
- David illustrates the logic with his own inner response to slander: “By my returning good for your evil, you’re enabling me to receive an eternal reward.”
- He emphasizes this only works “if you love him despite his badness,” not by pretending the evil is good.