Loving and Giving
We spent the day yesterday driving to Columbia, SC to spend with our friend whose father recently died. The funeral was held yesterday, although he won’t be buried for several weeks because he’s being buried at Arlington. I’m glad we had the opportunity to love and serve and give to our friend.
Here are a couple of bloggers who are thinking about loving and giving:
Jonathan at “Missio Dei” reminds us that first impressions are not always correct, and we often listen to the wrong voice, in a post called “Loving My Neighbor“.
Jason at “Spend and Be Spent” asks a question about giving in a post called “Helping the Poor or Enabling Laziness?“. A good discussion follows in the comments.
I posted a comment on Jason’s site. Mostly on Luke 6:27-36. I think many times we put qualifying statements on Jesus’ commands. It is funny that many times People love to quote “If you love me keep my commandments” but then the commandments to love our enemies, give to those who ask of us, turn the other cheek, to not lord it over others, and other such commands are often ignored or qualified. But the same people reject qualfiying statement on issues such as sexual immorality, lying…..
Just some thoughts. I think we are selective on the teachings of Jesus and this is seen greatly with Luke 6
I can’t help but wonder how others, both fellow Christians and non-Christians alike view our selective charity. I know I have been guilty. Should we be astonished when we are given the judgmental label?
Lionel,
Good thoughts. Thanks for continuing the discussion.
Jeff,
Why do you think we (and I’ve done it also) offer help selectively?
-Alan
Alan,
I know for myself it is a matter of having worked with and being exposed to folks who have lived, shall we say some very challenging life experiences. So I know some of the scams. There are people that could literally write a book on taking advantage of the charity of the church.
But sometimes I’m plain old fashioned judgmental. Also, I live in South Florida. There are just only so many people you can help; the need is great.
-jeff
Jeff,
Like I commented on Jason’s post, since we encourage the church to give to those in need – not to the “church” – we generally don’t have that problem. I don’t have a “fund” per se to give to people. I only have the money that God has provided to me through my job.
I think doing away with the “church bank account” and the “benevolence fund” would help in this area.
-Alan