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love?
hebrewroots98:
I too have learned the hard way after being bunrt too many times. I now just give out of my abundance (after our familys' needs are met.) I no longer sacrifice the things that my family needs in order to bless someone else first. I used to do that and then my family would end up having hard times. I will give (offerings) as I am prompted to; and usually it is not money that I give to others, although there have been times that I have, but, I buy them a meal, loan them something, give them of my time, give them rides, buy them gas, buy them groceries, I have even given out over the counter meds if they can't afford to get some themselves, give them a place to stay for awhile instead of giving them hotel money, and if I cnanot help, I lead them to someone who can help them, I help out where and when I am needed etc... Too often I find that if you do give cash money, they will use it on something other than what they requested the money for (like drugs, alcohol, cigs. etc..) There have been times when sonmeone would come and ask me for a few dollars to buy a meal and I would tell them that I didn't have the cash, but let me buy one on my debit card and they would refuse it, unfortunately, you have to be aware of the schemes that they will employ on you! On the otherhand, I have been called all kinds of names by people/especially family members for not codepending them by loaning them money to buy booze, cigs, lottery tickets, bingo, etc...
rrammfcitktturjsp:
Susan,
Ahhh therein lies the sadness. Most of the people who need a helping hand are employed and are working to make ends meet. It are those people that are shortchanged becuase they really need the help, but suffer at the hands of those who only want help to get ciggies and booze and stuff like that.
What I mean to say, it is becuase of the negative images of users and those who are taking advantage of everyone the ones who sincerely need help suffer. For example, suppose you have a family, both employed, and have 3 kids. Suppose 2 out of 3 kids got sick, and the family knows it is going to be hard to even pay the bills for the next month. Well, then the 3rd kid gets sick. Now the government will not help them becuase of their income level. So where do they turn?
Sincerely,
Anne C. McGuire
jennie:
Sorry ya'll, I have a somewhat different point of view. I think if someone asks me for something I give it. Jesus said "if they ask for your cloak give them your shirt too" or something like that. Even so, if I do as God leads me too and someone is taking advantage of me that is betweeen them and God. I've done what God wanted me to do. I have been taken advantage of but I don't really think about it that much.Jennie
carol v:
I believe we are always to help even if they have stolen from us -- just help wisely. Immediately ask which pharmacy they use and go pay directly for the meds. The children shouldn't pay for the mistakes of the adults.
Luk 6:29 And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other; and him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take thy coat also.
There are many, many ways to give that don't involve handing cash out to adults. I pretty much assume that the adults asking for cash are methheads myself but then I remember the words of Christ. Help the kids no matter what and let God sort out the rest.
Part of our faith is knowing that God will sort it all out for us. I thinking that "loving" is truly the hardest part of Christ's commandments and something we all struggle with.
Jennie, I just saw your post. I agree with ya :)
carol v
iris:
Matthew 5:39 But I say unto you, That ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to hem the other also.
v. 40 and if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also.
v. 41 And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain.
v. 42 Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away.
v. 43 Ye have heard that it hath been said. THOU SHALT LOVE THY NEIGHBOR, and hate thine enemy.
v. 44 But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.
v. 45 That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.
v. 46 For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? do not the publicans the same?
v. 47 And if ye salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? do not even the publicans so?
v. 48 Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
Iris
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