We get hit with difficult situations regularly in life, and sometimes deciding how to biblically handle them is not always a simple black and white answer. In this series, we’re diving into specific situations and looking to scripture to see how we should practically handle them.
Today, we will be looking at how to handle it when someone asks you for money because, let’s face it, when it happens, it can not only be a difficult situation but an awkward one as well. What are some of the typical responses when someone hits you up?
- Sorry, I don’t carry cash.
- You keep walking like don’t even hear them.
- No
- What for?
- Get a job
Or, what if you are on the other side of the spectrum and you keep a few Washingtons in your pocket just for an event like this? When you dish out money, what is the motive behind it?
- Guilt?
- Generosity?
- Benevolence?
- Christ-likeness?
- To get them to leave you alone?
The reality is that God has called us to help and serve those around us, but what does that actually look like in this situation?
12 He also said to the one who had invited him, “When you give a lunch or a dinner, don’t invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors, because they might invite you back, and you would be repaid. 13 On the contrary, when you host a banquet, invite those who are poor, maimed, lame, or blind. 14 And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.” Luke 14:12–14.
Why did Jesus come to earth?
1 Timothy 1:15 (CSB)
15 This saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance: “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners”—and I am the worst of them
How did Jesus live his life on earth?
Matthew 20:28 (CSB)
28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Who did Jesus serve while He was on earth?
Luke 4:18–19 (CSB)
18 The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
because he has anointed me
to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me
to proclaim release to the captives
and recovery of sight to the blind,
to set free the oppressed,
19 to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.,
Who did Jesus place favor on while He was here?
Matthew 5:3–10 (CSB)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the humble,
for they will inherit the earth.
6 Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
7 Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
9 Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called sons of God.
10 Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for the kingdom of heaven is theirs.
Relief without Relationship misses the mark
John 3:16–17
For God So Loved the World
16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Generosity is not optional
1 John 3:17–18
17 But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
