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Posted on 04/29/2025 12:20:52 AM PDT by metmom
“‘Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you’” (Matthew 5:42).
Secular people also hold tightly to the concept that property rights are sacred. But such self-centered possessiveness is merely another symptom of humanity’s sinfulness. Even believers forget that whatever they have belongs to God and that they are simply stewards of their wealth.
We do have certain legal rights in most countries to manage property as we wish. But we must be willing to sacrifice those rights on the altar of Christian obedience and submission (cf. Rom. 12:1–2). Whenever someone wants to borrow something of ours, we ought to willingly allow him or her to do so. That person might well have a genuine need, which only we can meet.
The Lord implies here that His disciples should offer to give as soon as they sense a need, not waiting to be asked. And He is not referring to our grudgingly donating, but to generous giving that springs from a loving desire to help. Our attitude should be far more than a token charity that merely wants to salve an uneasy conscience.
Christ’s words do not intend to undercut civil justice, but to destroy human selfishness, which is sin and does not belong in the hearts of true Christians. In truth, the only persons who do not selfishly or vengefully cling to their property rights are those who have died to self (cf. Gal. 2:20). The faithful believer lives for Christ and if necessary surrenders all his or her rights and dies for Him (Rom. 14:8).
Ask Yourself
Again, since we cannot give away everything we have, how do we deal with the requirement of adhering to this Christian command while also using sound judgment, being good stewards of our God-given resources?
From Daily Readings from the Life of Christ, Vol. 1, John MacArthur. Copyright © 2008. Used by permission of Moody Publishers, Chicago, IL 60610, www.moodypublishers.com.
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Studying God’s Word ping
I am a Christian, but this sounds like a bunch of socialist gobbledygook to me. What exactly are the implications of this screed?
What does the Word of God speak to you ??
They are certainly tough commands to follow.
I’ve been on both sides. Believe, I prefer the days when I could give something to others much more easily than now. By a longshot.
But when you’re in a bind, it is a God-blessing to have a helping hand. Praise God for those people.
Another Money Shot ✅️
Aye - there's the rub!
How DO we STOP giving to those who see us as doormats and constantly 'need' something?
Aye - there's the rub!
How DO we STOP giving to those who see us as doormats and constantly 'need' something?
I don’t think he means to give away the farm. Back in that day,there was lots of starving people, no social networks.
The message is not to withhold help to bona fide need. Of course one has to prepare for ones own family or corporate survival and needs, but when there is a need,,,try and meet it....and no need to hoard wealth.
Forgot to mention that impersonal, sometimes immoral thieving people who operate compulsory taxation organizations should not be counted on to manage charitable efforts properly.
I prefer the days when I could give something to others much more easily than now.
= = =
Like a car — Registration, insurance, liscence, title transfer
Or a gun — FFL, background check, etc. — or jail
In CA, ammo — can’t give it. Transfer through a dealer for paperwork, background, and a fee.
Not sure because it’s simply not possible to give to everyone who asks.
Lots of deadbeats who expect handouts. How to exercise discernment?
For example, I know a couple some time ago that the husband had been through Teen Challenge and he told me once to NEVER give money to the “homeless” standing on street corners begging.
He said he knew them all from his old drug days and they can’t be trusted. He told us that they are only looking for free drug money, that they have resources to genuinely help them but they don’t want to abide by the rules or come clean.
I give to ministries through the church where there’s accountability about where then money is going and that people who really need it get it.
2 Thessalonians 3:10-12 For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat. For we hear that some among you walk in idleness, not busy at work, but busybodies. Now such persons we command and encourage in the Lord Jesus Christ to do their work quietly and to earn their own living.
🛐🙏✝️
Form a duet
Let Him sing Melody
You’ll provide
the Harmony.....
I finally read the lyrics...😁
(Let Him sing Melody)
In Other Words (IOW)
Let Him lead the way
When you “form a duet”
“You’ll provide the Harmony”
by following His leading
(”Help Is on Its Way”)
https://youtu.be/Tz7e2FbdX-k?si=tkm6oE5dgxrouU4O
Giving to the poor is good. Enabling evil or sloth is something else. There’s no black and white answers, so rely on discernment through the Holy Spirit.
https://www.gotquestions.org/Christian-beggars.html
Good reading there, a starting point.
Thanks.
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