Should I protest, pray? (or mutely cry?)

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secularhermit

secularhermit

Banned
#1
May 3, 2013
8,719
75
0
#1
I´m not a good samaritan, but I´ve tried to help, sometimes.

Recently I felt discouraged (somewhat disappointed) for several things,
and I´m going to share just two (Just to hear if I´m not the only freak
who feel its kicks).


Too many people are begging on the streets and on the subway. If not, they are
selling things I don´t buy (except when they´re preaching the Gospel and it´s heard they have no income
to keep that ministry going on).



I lent a couple of things to someone who now is a rich heir (and is too busy to pay me attention on what I want back).

I try to cope with these:

"Mat 5:40 If anyone wants to sue you in court and take your shirt, let them have your coat too.
Mat 5:41 If a soldier forces you to walk with him one mile, go with him two.
Mat 5:42 Give to anyone who asks you for something. Don't refuse to give to anyone who wants to borrow from you. "



I´m that kind of person that, when a friends gave me something I don´t need, I give to others and, lately,
I had to travel more than 100 km to hand things over, because those few i have helped are so lazy, in their
comfort zone, that I regret missing a chance to help, that i think i will quit helping (though i considered it
selfish, and I´m aware of this:


A) 1Tim 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially
for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.


B) Jas 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.


However, I don´t care too much what Paul or James might tell me. I felt abused when paying a high price for a broken thing,
whithin same Christians and, unblievers end up being MORE RESPONSIBLE than my own people. For instance, there´s
a a pastor who owes me some money, but he loves people to make vows for Special collects (or funds) and
one og my own blood is pulling me out to think only about my wellbeing...


What should I do? Protest in front of them, pray in the secret (for my money returned) or keeping my mouth shut?
 
blue_ladybug

blue_ladybug

Senior Member
#2
Feb 21, 2014
70,869
9,601
113
#2
secularhermit said:
I´m not a good samaritan, but I´ve tried to help, sometimes.

Recently I felt discouraged (somewhat disappointed) for several things,
and I´m going to share just two (Just to hear if I´m not the only freak
who feel its kicks).


Too many people are begging on the streets and on the subway. If not, they are
selling things I don´t buy (except when they´re preaching the Gospel and it´s heard they have no income
to keep that ministry going on).



I lent a couple of things to someone who now is a rich heir (and is too busy to pay me attention on what I want back).

I try to cope with these:

"Mat 5:40 If anyone wants to sue you in court and take your shirt, let them have your coat too.
Mat 5:41 If a soldier forces you to walk with him one mile, go with him two.
Mat 5:42 Give to anyone who asks you for something. Don't refuse to give to anyone who wants to borrow from you. "



I´m that kind of person that, when a friends gave me something I don´t need, I give to others and, lately,
I had to travel more than 100 km to hand things over, because those few i have helped are so lazy, in their
comfort zone, that I regret missing a chance to help, that i think i will quit helping (though i considered it
selfish, and I´m aware of this:


A) 1Tim 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially
for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.


B) Jas 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.


However, I don´t care too much what Paul or James might tell me. I felt abused when paying a high price for a broken thing,
whithin same Christians and, unblievers end up being MORE RESPONSIBLE than my own people. For instance, there´s
a a pastor who owes me some money, but he loves people to make vows for Special collects (or funds) and
one og my own blood is pulling me out to think only about my wellbeing...


What should I do? Protest in front of them, pray in the secret (for my money returned) or keeping my mouth shut?
Click to expand...

secularhermit, I look at it this way: If I lend someone money, or whatever it may be, and they dont return it, then I assume that they may need it more than I do. I am like you, I only keep something until I either dont want it anymore, it breaks, or stops serving a purpose for me. I am always giving money away, even when I have barely any to spare!! But I know that God will provide for me, so it's okay. :) I think the pastor who owes you money should rightfully return it to you. That's his duty as a steward of God, to repay what's been given in good conscience.

If giving stuff away is hurting you financially, I would at least ask people to give back or repay what they owe you. :) If they dont, then at least you tried. Maybe you should ask God for better discernment on who to help from now on.
 
secularhermit

secularhermit

Banned
#3
May 3, 2013
8,719
75
0
#3
Thanks, Lady!

You are right! you gave me the answer: DISCERMENT. It was my fault and, what bothered me (in past) it was their attitude, their selfishness way to obtain things, just for them.

In fact, I was feeeling GUILT... I´ll be no more. I´m somewhat used to live a day after another and it´s up to GOD to teach them what they don´t want to see.

I already spoke to his brother (who is another pastor) so my immediate detachment from "the mala paga" will be guessed and understood.

I will pray for them (I will ask those things) but I will harden my heart. :(

Thanks ladybug.
 
blue_ladybug

blue_ladybug

Senior Member
#4
Feb 21, 2014
70,869
9,601
113
#4
secularhermit said:
Thanks, Lady!

You are right! you gave me the answer: DISCERMENT. It was my fault and, what bothered me (in past) it was their attitude, their selfishness way to obtain things, just for them.

In fact, I was feeeling GUILT... I´ll be no more. I´m somewhat used to live a day after another and it´s up to GOD to teach them what they don´t want to see.

I already spoke to his brother (who is another pastor) so my immediate detachment from "the mala paga" will be guessed and understood.

I will pray for them (I will ask those things) but I will harden my heart. :(

Thanks ladybug.
Click to expand...
secularhermit, you are very welcome. I'm glad I was able to help you. :) Don't feel guilty for trying to help someone, and please dont harden your heart, either. Like I said, ask for clear discernment on who needs what the most. :)
 
secularhermit

secularhermit

Banned
#5
May 3, 2013
8,719
75
0
#5
blue_ladybug said:
secularhermit, you are very welcome. I'm glad I was able to help you. :) Don't feel guilty for trying to help someone, and please dont harden your heart, either. Like I said, ask for clear discernment on who needs what the most. :)
Click to expand...
I wish I could avoid it. I have no certain clue to hear "the real" from the faked.

I´m sure if I have done what God wants us, it´s not my guilt when others failed or lied, the disgusting thing is (additionally) my own little cross.

And I know I will regret acting like that "priest" who saw someone in need (hurt, bleeding, etc) on the floor: I wish I could help myself.

This will pass away! I´m simply upset (too tired of me, perhaps).

May I beg you a simple prayer, any moment, for me.

I think I´m worn out (and I get it over).

Thanks! again.
 
cinder

cinder

Senior Member
#7
Mar 26, 2014
4,328
2,361
113
#7
secularhermit said:
I wish I could avoid it. I have no certain clue to hear "the real" from the faked.
Click to expand...
Quick advice on this point: don't settle for the easy way of helping. Giving money to the beggar on the street is not helpful in the long run and usually you don't have any way to know if it is going to someone who is working their butt off and temporarily slumped or someone who has a mindset of the world owes me a living. So really get involved, ask questions lots of them, make them tell you a good story and think critically about it. If they are blaming everything and everyone for their circumstances they aren't ready to change; if they have some plans and can give you a good accounting of themselves and are willing to make some changes, then your giving might really help.

Also I have a personal rule about never giving money. Take the time to take a person grocery shopping or go to the place they need to pay their bills and pay them. If you just hand over cash, you have no way of knowing if it is being used for the purpose you have given it or not.

Another option would be get involved in an organization that works with the poor and needy. They usually have checks to make sure that the help they give isn't taken advantage of. I remember helping with a giveaway one christmas and overhearing a conversation between some workers about how one family had taken food when they had already gotten their food from another place, so they do catch these things.

Ok that's all I've got.
 
P

psychomom

Guest
#8
#8
Hermit, we make it a rule to lend only what we don't care if it's not returned.
(which pretty much only excludes our kids and the grandson. :) )

But I have to say we've been the recipients of the generosity of others to such a great degree
it's (almost) embarrassing.
That has made it easy to give or to lend. Nice for a change. haha
Just to encourage you in your giving (if giving is what lending has become...).
You may never know here just how you have blessed someone and advanced God's Kingdom. ♥

Also, I try to remember that everything I need, in Christ I already possess.
Not to sound self-righteous...I mean, I constantly have to remind myself! :rolleyes:

It does sound like you're worn out. I pray for rest and refreshment from the very Throne of God for you.

~ellie
 
pickles

pickles

Senior Member
#9
Apr 20, 2009
14,479
182
63
#9
SecularHermit,
someone once told me, that the mesure of my love for Jesus, is known in how I treat the least.
( for Jesus said, "what ever you do to the least of my brothers, that, you do unto me.")
These words have remained with me since, and have brought me to do all I do, as doing all unto Jesus.
For then there is no offence, for one sees all as giving all glory to God. :)
It is ok to disern sometimes, for there are many out there who will take advantage, and these is some scripture that speaks to not throwing pearls to swine.
But keep in mind that the scriptures that speak to giving to others, do not say only under these conditions, it simply says to give.
The accountabuility is upon the person who recieves, and that judgement belongs to God.
I will keep you in my prayers in Jesus, for disernment, protection, blessings, and a continued heart that gives, filled with the love of Jesus.

God bless
pickles
 
J

JDecree

Guest
#10
#10
Now I haven't faced much of this type of situation as a believer but in a perfect world, when we give we would do it not hoping for a return(in this life). When we give, we should learn to not feel entitled to even a simple thank you. If we get one, we get one. It is easier to give out of our abundance though for sure, but remember the woman who gave all she could which was less than others, but since it was about all she had, its value in the Kingdom was more.

Freely you have received, so freely give(perhaps a little out of context). Bless those who curse you and pray for those that despitefully use you. God is not unrighteous that He would forget your labour of love. Whatsoever you do unto the least of these you do unto Jesus. Render service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man.

If we give to someone and they turn around with no gratitude or recompense, frankly that is on them. You have done the good thing. But we must forgive debts.

Again, in a perfect world, this is how we would behave(speaking to myself here). It is difficult sometimes to say the least!

May God bless you SecularHermit
 
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secularhermit

secularhermit

Banned
#12
May 3, 2013
8,719
75
0
#12
Thank you Ellie!

i felt like that (getting better, now). :)
 
secularhermit

secularhermit

Banned
#13
May 3, 2013
8,719
75
0
#13
Thanks Pickless!

I now understand this from the heart. I was upset (disbelieving and disobeying).
 
secularhermit

secularhermit

Banned
#14
May 3, 2013
8,719
75
0
#14
JDecree said:
Now I haven't faced much of this type of situation as a believer but in a perfect world, when we give we would do it not hoping for a return(in this life). When we give, we should learn to not feel entitled to even a simple thank you. If we get one, we get one. It is easier to give out of our abundance (true) though for sure, but remember the woman who gave all she could which was less than others, but since it was about all she had, its value in the Kingdom was more. (*).

Freely you have received, so freely give (perhaps a little out of context). (true) Bless those who curse you and pray for those that despitefully use you. God is not unrighteous that He would forget your labour of love. Whatsoever you do unto the least of these you do unto Jesus. Render service with a good will as to the Lord and not to man. Yes! I needed reminded.
If we give to someone and they turn around with no gratitude or recompense, frankly that is on them. You have done the good thing. But we must forgive debts. That´s ok! I usually expect nothing in turn, but I´m tired of those, like that pastor I mentioned, who sucks people´s BLOOD, and is unwilling to pay what he owes (I will do my best, soon, after praying).

Again, in a perfect world, this is how we would behave (speaking to myself here). It is difficult sometimes to say the least!

May God bless you SecularHermit
Click to expand...
(*) I have no idea on what it might be. Hope I receive THERE the same hut I have, with more distance from the people I don´t like (far from their noise or troubles).

Thank you brother! I needed this feedback.
 
J

JDecree

Guest
#15
#15
secularhermit said:
(*) I have no idea on what it might be. Hope I receive THERE the same hut I have, with more distance from the people I don´t like (far from their noise or troubles).
Click to expand...
The nice thing about God's Kingdom is there will not be anyone there we don't like! Nor noise or troubles! :D
 
F

freed4ever

Senior Member
#16
Dec 19, 2012
133
1
0
#16
Dear Sister,
Following your faith can be a challenge especially when there are so many that use the word of GOD to receive but never to give. You are being challenged by thoughts out side of the flesh, If you are not blessed in what you give then maybe you should keep it as the day is near that you will need it. I know first hand about what you are going through. We are to strive to be like Christ and wanting nothing as God clearly states HE is the one that he is the giver of all Good things. If you are truly blessed in what you give then give but if your heart is not then do not either way God loves you for who you are and knows every ones heart, and those that lie and cheats you because of your kindness remember he is the avenger of all evil. be blessed be at peace in all that you do as there is nothing that will divide you away from God as you are a great ambassador for the Lord, keep in mind of him that gave all things to them that had asked with unconditional love and his words before he gave up the holly ghost ''Forgive them Father as they know not what they do'' God Bless you in all that you do for our Lords sake, you are truly a blessing for many from whom you are not aware of.

God Bless you in your journey

Your Brother in Faith
Robert
 
secularhermit

secularhermit

Banned
#17
May 3, 2013
8,719
75
0
#17
Hmmm!

Here is where my second name is Thomas... ;)

P.S.

Look at this dear brother ROBERT, your "sister" is Thomas.

Ha! Ha! ;)
 
T

ThePottersClay

Guest
#18
#18
Give with a grateful heart... do not expect anything in return, when you expect something in return you will be left disappointed.

God will see your Samaritan heart and bless you.
 
B

biscuit

Guest
#19
#19
secularhermit said:
I´m not a good samaritan, but I´ve tried to help, sometimes.

Recently I felt discouraged (somewhat disappointed) for several things,
and I´m going to share just two (Just to hear if I´m not the only freak
who feel its kicks).


Too many people are begging on the streets and on the subway. If not, they are
selling things I don´t buy (except when they´re preaching the Gospel and it´s heard they have no income
to keep that ministry going on).



I lent a couple of things to someone who now is a rich heir (and is too busy to pay me attention on what I want back).

I try to cope with these:

"Mat 5:40 If anyone wants to sue you in court and take your shirt, let them have your coat too.
Mat 5:41 If a soldier forces you to walk with him one mile, go with him two.
Mat 5:42 Give to anyone who asks you for something. Don't refuse to give to anyone who wants to borrow from you. "



I´m that kind of person that, when a friends gave me something I don´t need, I give to others and, lately,
I had to travel more than 100 km to hand things over, because those few i have helped are so lazy, in their
comfort zone, that I regret missing a chance to help, that i think i will quit helping (though i considered it
selfish, and I´m aware of this:


A) 1Tim 5:8 But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially
for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.


B) Jas 4:17 So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.


However, I don´t care too much what Paul or James might tell me. I felt abused when paying a high price for a broken thing,
whithin same Christians and, unblievers end up being MORE RESPONSIBLE than my own people. For instance, there´s
a a pastor who owes me some money, but he loves people to make vows for Special collects (or funds) and
one og my own blood is pulling me out to think only about my wellbeing...


What should I do? Protest in front of them, pray in the secret (for my money returned) or keeping my mouth shut?
Click to expand...
For your reward will come from the Lord and not 'hypocrites." Just forgive them & move on.
 
secularhermit

secularhermit

Banned
#20
May 3, 2013
8,719
75
0
#20
Thank you, BROTHER Bob!

Yes! that prayer i will use soon (Forgive them Father as they know not what they do). He knows what he does, but I rather appeal to HIM, who is above EVERYTHING.

Thanks! :)

PS

Particularly "moving on".
 
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