*1 John 3:17-18 NIV* “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
*3:17,18* These versus give an example of how to lay down our lives for others - to help those in need. This is strikingly similar to James teaching (James 2:14-17). How clearly do your actions say you really love others? Are you as generous as you should be with your money, possessions, and time?
Question for discussion about this topic.
Where do you draw the line with giving? What do you do with habitual beggars in the church who constantly beg from those who have more money than them rather than live a more responsible lifestyle. They use the money they need for necessities on frivolous things and then beg money for rent, gas, etc.
Or African's taking care of orphans who constantly beg on FB and say the orphans need food while they are getting fancy clothes and getting fat from going out to eat?
@mayahb we partner up with other NPO’s and organizations within our area and when we receive a donation of food or something and we have excess then we pass the blessing on to help others as well. I also find that even if I don’t know what i’m Going to feed the people next week but we have excess now, then I still give and God never ceases to amaze with how He replaces. I think it is important to pray about giving and I personally rely on the Holy Spirit to lead and guide me. I don’t just give to anyone for example all the beggars on the street because where I am from, most of them actually choose that lifestyle and they refuse any genuine help we try to offer them. It’s not always an easy decision but the best advice I can give is to pray and rely on the Holy Spirit.
