I know we are to help others, but I don't think I should do without just because someone doesn't manage their money. I am on a fixed income and so are they, but they spend money on soda, smoking and eating out and before the end of the month ask to borrow money which half the time can't or don't pay back. My question is would it be wrong for me to tell them no even when I have the money .
Hi Tdianne. I truly understand your concern on this issue, as it is something I have seriously considered myself. You may be referring to those in your family/friend's circles, where poor money management is occurring; whereas I don't have any around me who are impoverished, rather being exposed to the poor and destitute squatting on roadsides, under bridges, outside shopping centers, etc. I have sometimes tried to engage in conversation with them to learn of their predicament, but have been severely rebuffed for intruding into areas that don't concern me.
However, if your situation is with family/friends, then I feel that you have every right to learn why they are struggling, their management of monies, or their preparedness to get help to budget and live within their means. Oftentimes, such folk are not open to such inquiry or help, rather to maintain their lifestyles, which includes sponging off others. If you know that these folk are genuinely in a difficult place & sincerely making an effort to live with what they have, then I feel assistance is in order. But in any case, they should also be open to getting help to implement a budget so that essential expenses are met first and something put aside for 'a rainy day'.
When we consider that account of the Samaritan who helped the man who was robbed and beaten ( Luke 10:30-37), knowing full well that that half-dead individual had suffered under the hands of miscreants, the Levite and priest still purposely avoided him. But the despised one from Samaria had compassion. Had that helpless man been found in that state because of reckless living, as that prodigal son lived, can anyone expect compassion and help be given him?
So to your question. No, it wouldn't be wrong to not give them help even if you have the money, simply because you're then encouraging their bad behavior, though helping them in the short-term. Rather, your help with sound advice and budget planning will go much further for their sakes. GBU.
However, if your situation is with family/friends, then I feel that you have every right to learn why they are struggling, their management of monies, or their preparedness to get help to budget and live within their means. Oftentimes, such folk are not open to such inquiry or help, rather to maintain their lifestyles, which includes sponging off others. If you know that these folk are genuinely in a difficult place & sincerely making an effort to live with what they have, then I feel assistance is in order. But in any case, they should also be open to getting help to implement a budget so that essential expenses are met first and something put aside for 'a rainy day'.
When we consider that account of the Samaritan who helped the man who was robbed and beaten ( Luke 10:30-37), knowing full well that that half-dead individual had suffered under the hands of miscreants, the Levite and priest still purposely avoided him. But the despised one from Samaria had compassion. Had that helpless man been found in that state because of reckless living, as that prodigal son lived, can anyone expect compassion and help be given him?
So to your question. No, it wouldn't be wrong to not give them help even if you have the money, simply because you're then encouraging their bad behavior, though helping them in the short-term. Rather, your help with sound advice and budget planning will go much further for their sakes. GBU.
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