Just curious.....

[L.A.M.B.]

I am wondering about ppl that have an expectation from others for financial support and how God expects his stewards to handle possessions wisely in their giving.

Now, I do know there are the poor of the world, that either bc of addiction, mental illness, some horrible misfortune, or even conflict in their society, that may have become homeless or have zero means of support.

There have been of late diverse earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, even tsunamis that have rendered ppl helpless. Where is the line God expects us to stand in our help ?

What of those that sponge, mooch, lie or scam from the children of God? Should we just do & give without question ? Is this being a good steward ?

I'm not looking to see if someone is doing acts of kindness such as buying a meal, giving a coat or blanket, ect.,but about ppl taking from your means to pay their own bills or wants through nefarious modes.

To give someone a phone or computer, or even a vehicle to promote or stimulate them to better themselves is an act of kindness and love. What of those whom are able bodied, of sound mind that simply feel as though their faith should be rewarded by the believers ?

Have you ever been asked to financially support someone under the guise of hardship or life crisis when in fact it was a lie?

If any would like to share how it was posed, what your response was and how you think God saw your stewardship, I would sincerely appreciate your thoughts and input.

 

[MatthewG]

Hello,

While anyone can do good to the poor, you can give them a ride to the store to pick up the food or whatever, sometimes people with addictions do not need money cause they are going go spend that money on their addictions. I do not personally give any money to any organization to help people in other countries or anything like that. You are in your own right do what you want with your own money. A scripture that I am reminded of, to one who knows to do good and does not do it to him it is sin. To me, goodness is sharing light in a dark world, not always about giving money perhaps that is the cynic inside of me. Sharing time, is also a good thing, other than just money because some people get turned into giving money in promises that 1,000 dollars is gonna come back to them and God is gonna bless them for doing so... gotta be careful, sowing that 1,000 dollar seed or whatever you can give in search of a blessing from God. The greatest blessing is a renewed heart and mind towards Yahava, and others as you go about life.


There were points in life where my mother would support me in my drug habits, however she finally had to put a stop to it, and finally life got better when I was given the ability to recover for 30 days and she took care of my bills, giving me time to straighten up, for the final and last time, @L.A.M.B.

 

[Debp]

What of those that sponge, mooch, lie or scam from the children of God? Should we just do & give without question ? Is this being a good steward ?

No, it isn't being a good steward. It actually enables the person not to help themselves.

Especially on the Internet, we must be careful about those that always are posting about being in need. They know Christians have kind hearts and usually will try to donate.

I came across someone (doesn't work) who always seems to have needs. Maybe it's the detective in me....but I investigated. Their videos showed leisure activities, buying clothes, getting ears pierced, earrings, eating out, buying toys. Not working...the money has to be coming from others.

 

[L.A.M.B.]

Hello,

While anyone can do good to the poor, you can give them a ride to the store to pick up the food or whatever, sometimes people with addictions do not need money cause they are going go spend that money on their addictions. I do not personally give any money to any organization to help people in other countries or anything like that. You are in your own right do what you want with your own money. A scripture that I am reminded of, to one who knows to do good and does not do it to him it is sin. To me, goodness is sharing light in a dark world, not always about giving money perhaps that is the cynic inside of me. Sharing time, is also a good thing, other than just money because some people get turned into giving money in promises that 1,000 dollars is gonna come back to them and God is gonna bless them for doing so... gotta be careful, sowing that 1,000 dollar seed or whatever you can give in search of a blessing from God. The greatest blessing is a renewed heart and mind towards Yahava, and others as you go about life.


There were points in life where my mother would support me in my drug habits, however she finally had to put a stop to it, and finally life got better when I was given the ability to recover for 30 days and she took care of my bills, giving me time to straighten up, for the final and last time, @L.A.M.B.

Thank you.
This is correct thinking on the giving of finances to certain types of ppl who are bound in addictions.
I had to do the same with my grandson who uses, I was just enabling him.
It hurts the loved ones that have to say " NO" deeply.

I do think there is a correct form of giving where it blesses both parties and God gives the increase.

 

[L.A.M.B.]

No, it isn't being a good steward. It actually enables the person not to help themselves.

Especially on the Internet, we must be careful about those that always are posting about being in need. They know Christians have kind hearts and usually will try to donate.

I came across someone (doesn't work) who always seems to have needs. Maybe it's the detective in me....but I investigated. Their videos showed leisure activities, buying clothes, getting ears pierced, earrings, eating out, buying toys. Not working...the money has to be coming from others.

Yes, I was told a story once by someone who really was gobsmacked by deceitfulness.

This person had this dire need in his family, it was an emergency and expedient that he receive funds. Financial aide was supplied, no questions. Only later did that supplier discover the " NEED" went to a casino and gambled.

Hard pill to swallow and of course no shame expressed by the borrower.

I dislike deceit!

 

[Windmillcharge]

I am wondering about ppl that have an expectation from others for financial support and how God expects his stewards to handle possessions wisely in their giving.

We are to imitate Jesus.

That implies that our capacity to love the unloved should be limitless.

 

[Nancy]

No, it isn't being a good steward. It actually enables the person not to help themselves.

Especially on the Internet, we must be careful about those that always are posting about being in need. They know Christians have kind hearts and usually will try to donate.

I came across someone (doesn't work) who always seems to have needs. Maybe it's the detective in me....but I investigated. Their videos showed leisure activities, buying clothes, getting ears pierced, earrings, eating out, buying toys. Not working...the money has to be coming from others.

Same here Debp...it doesn't take a very high IQ to recognize when 2+2=4, can be none other.
Especially if the money was meant to be put to God's work, not personal items. What's really sad is that whole families do this. Woe to them that use Gods children in any devious ways, they will be paid back in God's fury and vengeance, amen.

 

[goforit/leap]

No, it isn't being a good steward. It actually enables the person not to help themselves.

Especially on the Internet, we must be careful about those that always are posting about being in need. They know Christians have kind hearts and usually will try to donate.

I came across someone (doesn't work) who always seems to have needs. Maybe it's the detective in me....but I investigated. Their videos showed leisure activities, buying clothes, getting ears pierced, earrings, eating out, buying toys. Not working...the money has to be coming from others.

"Their videos showed leisure activities, buying clothes, getting ears pierced, earrings, eating out, buying toys. Not working...the money has to be coming from others."

Salome's aunt paid to pierce her ears. The
earrings were a gift to her. She had recently had her birthday.
Videos dated 4-19, 4-24

 

[L.A.M.B.]

We are to imitate Jesus.

That implies that our capacity to love the unloved should be limitless.

Yet even Jesus used a whip on the money changers making profit in his Father's house. And he did so in anger.

I agree we are to love others as ourselves or beyond but very few here on earth have the same level of love that " ......will lay down his life for a friend", as Jesus did for the whole world.

What should be and are, are wrapped into the flesh of sin. The spirit ( of man ) may always be willing but the flesh is weak !

 

[L.A.M.B.]

Same here Debp...it doesn't take a very high IQ to recognize when 2+2=4, can be none other.
Especially if the money was meant to be put to God's work, not personal items. What's really sad is that whole families do this. Woe to them that use Gods children in any devious ways, they will be paid back in God's fury and vengeance, amen.

I know the policy against soliciting but where is the line or catch phrase here. Among " Christians" forums, it's usually in prayer requests, but it happens in all kinds of forums, I have been in law forums, dating forums, family forums ect, the anonymity makes it easy!
Many many ppl use the Internet on innocent compassionate ppl that are sincere and kind hearted wanting to do good.

 

[Wynona]

Great questions deserve good answers. I may try to come back and answer this well after giving it some thought.

 

[L.A.M.B.]

Great questions deserve good answers. I may try to come back and answer this well after giving it some thought.

Thank you.
I am hoping we all can reason where is the limit by the word of God and how we are to be stewards of the possessions God blesses us with.
Life is hard, decisions are harder, only God's wisdom can be our benchmark in guidance.

 

[goforit/leap]

Yet even Jesus used a whip on the money changers making profit in his Father's house. And he did so in anger.

I agree we are to love others as ourselves or beyond but very few here on earth have the same level of love that " ......will lay down his life for a friend", as Jesus did for the whole world.

What should be and are, are wrapped into the flesh of sin. The spirit ( of man ) may always be willing but the flesh is weak !

I've put my life on the line more than once to try to protect strangers. One time, it led to a great blessing of myself
and others standing up and sharing our Christian faith inside of a restaurant!

 

[Wynona]

I guess without overthinking it, Id say God calls us to help with what we can when we can. So each day, as we come across someone in need, we decide to help them accordingly.

1 John 3:17

King James Version

17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

So if you see someone in need, just help them. Buy a meal, give cash, keep bldssing bags handy. Whatever it takes. Mercy triumphs against judgement. We cant use the idea that they might mishandle the resources as an excuse not to help.

HoWever, if someone you know personally refuses to work as an able bodied person, thats when you should refuse to support them.

If someone takes advantage of you without you knowing it, thats their sin, not yours. But Peter writes, wouldnt you rather be wronged than to do wrong against others?

We do risk being taken advantage of in order to be charitable in the way God wants.

Jesus did say give to those who ask of you and to not lay up treasures on earth.

 

[dev553344]

I am wondering about ppl that have an expectation from others for financial support and how God expects his stewards to handle possessions wisely in their giving.

Now, I do know there are the poor of the world, that either bc of addiction, mental illness, some horrible misfortune, or even conflict in their society, that may have become homeless or have zero means of support.

There have been of late diverse earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, fires, even tsunamis that have rendered ppl helpless. Where is the line God expects us to stand in our help ?

What of those that sponge, mooch, lie or scam from the children of God? Should we just do & give without question ? Is this being a good steward ?

I'm not looking to see if someone is doing acts of kindness such as buying a meal, giving a coat or blanket, ect.,but about ppl taking from your means to pay their own bills or wants through nefarious modes.

To give someone a phone or computer, or even a vehicle to promote or stimulate them to better themselves is an act of kindness and love. What of those whom are able bodied, of sound mind that simply feel as though their faith should be rewarded by the believers ?

Have you ever been asked to financially support someone under the guise of hardship or life crisis when in fact it was a lie?

If any would like to share how it was posed, what your response was and how you think God saw your stewardship, I would sincerely appreciate your thoughts and input.

The church tithes and offerings:

The bible makes it clear there are no paid clergy. There never was. And Bishops and Deacons should be working for themselves and donating their extra time to the cause of the church. That is what the bible spells out. And that is how I did it while I could work. I was Mormon which I now feel is a scam just like the rest of the paid clergy church businesses, but at least we (the lower down Mormons) worked for a living while paying out 10% tithe and extra offerings and serving in a calling in the church after my work hours.

What does the bible say about church tithes and offerings:

Acts 4:32 Now the multitude of those who believed were of one heart and one soul; neither did anyone say that any of the things he possessed was his own, but they had all things in common. 33 And with great power the apostles gave witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus. And great grace was upon them all. 34 Nor was there anyone among them who lacked; for all who were possessors of lands or houses sold them, and brought the proceeds of the things that were sold, 35 and laid them at the apostles’ feet; and they distributed to each as anyone had need.

 

[Pathfinder7]

I was involved in..the homeless ministry..years ago.
- Food Pantry & Housing(Motel).
- We never gave them cash.
---
They (homeless) had to go through..the interview & paperwork.
Many of them came..from the affluent area.
I asked.." Why do you come here? You cannot get help from there? (affluent area)"..
- They told me.."we cannot get help there.."
*We had limited resources.
---
I was puzzled..
- Later on..I found out..
- what they said was correct/fact.

 

[dev553344]

Yes if you give heroin, meth addicts and career criminals money you will be supporting organized crime. But honestly I don't think governments should be restricting God created plants from the populations, like cannibals and opium plants. That's kind of overstepping their God given authority.

 

[My Dreams]

Bible says in Proverbs 3:27-28 American Standard Version (ASV), one can read other translation also, it helps in better understanding.
"Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, When it is in the power of thy hand to do it. Say"

 

[Cassandra]

I guess without overthinking it, Id say God calls us to help with what we can when we can. So each day, as we come across someone in need, we decide to help them accordingly.

1 John 3:17

King James Version

17 But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

So if you see someone in need, just help them. Buy a meal, give cash, keep bldssing bags handy. Whatever it takes. Mercy triumphs against judgement. We cant use the idea that they might mishandle the resources as an excuse not to help.

HoWever, if someone you know personally refuses to work as an able bodied person, thats when you should refuse to support them.

If someone takes advantage of you without you knowing it, thats their sin, not yours. But Peter writes, wouldnt you rather be wronged than to do wrong against others?

We do risk being taken advantage of in order to be charitable in the way God wants.

Jesus did say give to those who ask of you and to not lay up treasures on earth.

What is a blessing bag? Sounds like something I would like to put together, if that's what you do.

 

[Cassandra]

Yes if you give heroin, meth addicts and career criminals money you will be supporting organized crime. But honestly I don't think governments should be restricting God created plants from the populations, like cannibals and opium plants. That's kind of overstepping their God given authority.

Opium can destroy lives.
I'm sure that stuff was created for pain relief, not so folk can get addicted and destroy the lives of their families and themselves. It needs to be regulated.