> Testimonies / Prayer Requests / Fellowship

Ashamed of my conduct

(1/13) > >>

lilitalienboi16:
Today as I was driving back home after dropping off my daughter at daycare, I ran into a young man perhaps not much older than myself who was holding a "homeless, anything helps" sign. He looked a bit dirty though he was doing his best to look appropriate with what appeared to be an old dress shirt, tie, and some dirty slacks which he held up by the suspenders around his shoulders. As I approached the red light in my vehicle where this man was standing, I found myself wanting to help him out, give him some of the money I had on me but when I checked my wallet all I could find was a few 20$ bills and a 100$ bill. In the few seconds I stood there at the light waiting for it to turn green, I couldn't bring myself to just give him the 20$. As I drove past him, the guilt grew and grew and my shame became heavy. Now here I am at home.. reflecting on my conduct, wishing I had simply just given him the 20$. I know the Lord provides for us so I should not fear giving all I have but I just couldn't get the spiritual strength to do it. An ocean of doubt raced through my mind in that moment of truth such as: "What if he's not homeless?" "What if he's going to use the money to buy drugs?" In the end... I realized they were all just excuses I was making so as not to have to give him of mine. In the end, fear and selfishness triumphed. I do not live in want and I never go a day without a roof over my head or food in my belly. The Lord has been so very merciful to me but in my selfishness, the selfishness I now loathe, I could not give mercy over judgement. I could not freely give of what I have freely received. A good christian hypocrite.

Thanks for listening to my rant, I needed to get this off my chest.

God bless,
Alex

Rhys 🕊:
If the Lord provided for you does He not also provide for him

All is of God


Rhys

arion:
Don't know what to say on this one.  There are many professional panhandlers around today and I know of times that people have approached someone holding a 'will work for food' sign and offered them an opportunity to go to the house and do some work and it was turned down.  They wanted the money....not the work. 

I guess we just have to be able to discern the Lord's voice at times like this.  If I'm in a line at the grocery checkout and a young lady with a couple kids is trying to by basic foods but doesn't have enough money I would be glad to dip into my wallet and give her $20.  Lots of hurting people out there today but lots of opportunists and those gaming the system as well.  We just need all the discernment we can get today I'm afraid.  I really don't want to be helping someones alcohol or drug habit.

John from Kentucky:
I have been young, and now am old;
Yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken,
Nor his descendants begging bread.  Psalm 37:25



For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work,
neither should he eat.  2Thess. 3:10

lilitalienboi16:
Words of wisdom. I really needed it and you all contributed wisely to my emotional predicament.

Arion, thank you for the personal example of a time you offered bread for work but were refused.

John I especially appreciate the scriptures and they compliment nicely Arion's example.

All is of God, exactly as Rhys put it.

His family is one mind and spirit indeed. The mind of Christ.

Thank you greatly brothers and sisters.

Navigation

[0] Message Index

[#] Next page