I have helped out a family member with money and things they need they won't do nothing for there self and when I talk about God they don't want to hear, Help.
Your question has two parts. The first is about how and when to help others. Being a blessing is always a great thing. But sometimes what we perceive as "being a blessing" enables people to continue in bad habits that prevent them from moving forward.
I once heard from a lady who has a disabled brother who is addicted to gambling. The brother called to say he had no money for his medicine. But he is at the casinos regularly.
The lady said she wants to give the brother money but her husband says the brother needs to hit bottom and be forced to deal with his addiction. The husband feels that by giving him money his wife is helping to keep the addiction going.
So how do you know when to help and how to help? Pray. Your first action should always be to pray. God will direct you. If you want to help, and it's what God wants you to do, then He'll give you a peace about it and you'll know you're doing the right thing. If you don't feel peace, then don't do it.
Sometimes people need to stand on their own two feet because they have no choice. It's only then that they learn to fend for themselves.
The other part of your question has to do with talking to people about God. The absolute best way to spread the Gospel is to LIVE it.
There are too many Christians today that think you need to hit people over the head with a Bible in order to get the message through.
The truth is, if you're living your faith every day, then the peace that you feel in a storm will show. The joy of the Lord that's in you will show. And your friends and relatives will want what you have and they'll want to know how to get it.
That's when the door is open for you to tell them all about Christ and who He is.
Nichole, just remember to pray about all things. God will give you the answers just when you need them.
Blessings,
Karen
May 28, 2008
Scripture by: Katherine Harms
I am sorry when people who receive help don't know to be thankful. It is very sad. They are acting as if they are owed any help they receive.
However, Jesus does not let us give help with a requirement for thankfulness.
There will come a time when Jesus will come back to separate the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25 describes this event. He rewards those who have served him by helping others. He punishes those who have ignored him by ignoring others. It is a shame that the people you helped are ignoring you, but be sure that Jesus will not ignore you.
Paul wrote that we are created for good works (the book of Ephesians). Jesus said that when we help others, we are serving him(Matthew 25). On his list night among us as the human son of God, Jesus said he was giving us a new commandment -- to love one another and to show the world that we belong to him because of our love for each other (John 13).
Government programs and charities of all kinds require people to show they are worthy of what they receive, and they may even be required to pay money back if they are subsequently found to be unworthy. This is not God's plan for you and me. We are to give when people ask. We are enjoined to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. I interpret this teaching to mean that if someone asks, I try to help. If that person is ungrateful or if that person uses the help to achieve ungodly goals, then I use my serpentine wisdom to avoid any further contact. Maybe this is what you need to look at. Maybe serpentine wisdom will guide you to avoid giving a free ride to people who choose not to be grateful and productive.
God bless you for your giving spirit. God keep you safe and make you wise.
Katherine Harms
