Inappropriate Guilt
- Thread starter DuchessAimee
- Start date
-
Christian Chat is a moderated online Christian community allowing Christians around the world to fellowship with each other in real time chat via webcam, voice, and text, with the Christian Chat app. You can also start or participate in a Bible-based discussion here in the Christian Chat Forums, where members can also share with each other their own videos, pictures, or favorite Christian music.
If you are a Christian and need encouragement and fellowship, we're here for you! If you are not a Christian but interested in knowing more about Jesus our Lord, you're also welcome! Want to know what the Bible says, and how you can apply it to your life? Join us!
To make new Christian friends now around the world, click here to join Christian Chat.
Please don't say that, Jordache. I heard a pastor preach a whole sermon on that very saying because he lived as a homeless person for like 2 months just as an experiment and he would ask the people from the local church for money for food and they would always tell him exactly what you quoted and he said he knew that these folks were mostly well-off because he knew that church and the experience really disturbed him.
One thing I used to do (and have since forgotten to) is to always keep a few dollar bills in my wallet in case I run into someone who needs money. After I encountered the homeless man at Wendys I actually promised God that I would never refuse to give to a homeless person on the street. I've actually broken that promise a few times since then for various reasons (didn't have money on me, etc..), but I usually ask for forgiveness afterward.
If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. - Deuteronomy 15:7
If there is a poor man among your brothers in any of the towns of the land that the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hardhearted or tightfisted toward your poor brother. - Deuteronomy 15:7
Last edited:
B
One time I was in the drive thru and was led to buy extra food I didn't need. As I exited there was a man who said he'd been out job hunting all day and was starving. He didn't want money but food. As I handed him the extra bag I said "that must be why God told me to buy this".
I won't give out money or lend my phone but I will buy food for people.
I won't give out money or lend my phone but I will buy food for people.
J
That's horrible zero, but considering I haven't had an income since September I could really only say it from the heart... I truly have nothing to give.
When my dad was on his death bed I was tormented because I knew he didn't want to die, but I had to say things that only reminded him he was not getting up this time. Like I said I was tormented, and I cried out to God because I really felt like I was tormenting him. And the Lords and answer was that verse in Acts 2. We are called to serve and give under the guidance of The Lord, but in any case all we really can offer is life.
When my dad was on his death bed I was tormented because I knew he didn't want to die, but I had to say things that only reminded him he was not getting up this time. Like I said I was tormented, and I cried out to God because I really felt like I was tormenting him. And the Lords and answer was that verse in Acts 2. We are called to serve and give under the guidance of The Lord, but in any case all we really can offer is life.
Sorry, Jordache. I know what its like being without a job for a long time too and I know you didn't mean to patronize anyone. I'm just suggesting that it might be better for one to only say that they don't have money instead of adding that they'll pray for them, but I guess it all depends on the situation and the person.
Zero--I really admire you for doing always being prepared to help!
I do just want to say though that God does call us to use wisdom. I would NEVER advise a woman who is alone to interact too much with someone in questionable circumstances. It must be remembered as fact that many of the homeless are also mentally ill... and sometimes dangerous. It's hard to know the line, but I personally believe that we all need to use caution and discretion. It would be horrible for a charitable act to turn to tragedy just because someone felt guilty.
I do just want to say though that God does call us to use wisdom. I would NEVER advise a woman who is alone to interact too much with someone in questionable circumstances. It must be remembered as fact that many of the homeless are also mentally ill... and sometimes dangerous. It's hard to know the line, but I personally believe that we all need to use caution and discretion. It would be horrible for a charitable act to turn to tragedy just because someone felt guilty.
I agree. That's why I said Arwen did the right thing by avoiding that person on the street. In Jordache's case I was just saying that telling someone you'll pray for them after telling them u have no money might sound patronizing to a homeless person.
And thanks for the kudos, but I've been slacking off in the giving dept. especially now that money's gotten really tight.
And thanks for the kudos, but I've been slacking off in the giving dept. especially now that money's gotten really tight.
Last edited:
Mostly, the people around here just sit on the curbs with their cardboard pieces, saying whatever.
After seein so many signs out there, I'm sure every homeless guy is a vet. It kind of gets on my nerves.
But there was one sign I saw, held by a guy, that said "I just want a smile." That one got me. I had to smile and wave at the guy, his sign got to me so much, that I had to force the smile.
After seein so many signs out there, I'm sure every homeless guy is a vet. It kind of gets on my nerves.
But there was one sign I saw, held by a guy, that said "I just want a smile." That one got me. I had to smile and wave at the guy, his sign got to me so much, that I had to force the smile.
2 Corinthians 7:10--Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation and leaves no regret, but worldly sorrow brings death.
Excellent passage--I had forgotten about this.
I've come to understand it in the context of the following examples: Peter's sorrow over denying Jesus led to his repentance and restoration; Judas's regret over betraying Jesus led to his suicide, not repentance or restored fellowship.
During my time writing inmates, I saw this often as well--many said they were sorry but when you broke it down, they were sorry that they had been caught and angry that their freedom had been taken away. Their sorrow was simply over their own reputation and self-interest. But a few were genuinely repentant and earnestly desired restoration with both God and society.
And you see a lot of this in every day life as well. Most people are just sorry that someone caught them and would certainly continue if they thought no one was watching.
Excellent passage--I had forgotten about this.
I've come to understand it in the context of the following examples: Peter's sorrow over denying Jesus led to his repentance and restoration; Judas's regret over betraying Jesus led to his suicide, not repentance or restored fellowship.
During my time writing inmates, I saw this often as well--many said they were sorry but when you broke it down, they were sorry that they had been caught and angry that their freedom had been taken away. Their sorrow was simply over their own reputation and self-interest. But a few were genuinely repentant and earnestly desired restoration with both God and society.
And you see a lot of this in every day life as well. Most people are just sorry that someone caught them and would certainly continue if they thought no one was watching.