Mosiah 4:13-30
Read online here
This half of the chapter is interesting to read in the light of the times. it says we are not to judge a person in need, but give all that we are able, for we not all beggars?
But in truth, there are some people truly in need due to hard times, and others in need/want because of their choices, so much so that taking handouts has become more of a given than an exception. Hence, when we give them what they ask for, it is enabling unhealthy behavior.
I'm sure King Benjamin didn't know the world 'enable,' but since he was taught this truth by an angel, I'm pretty sure his teaching here is solid.
So, we are told to give what we can to the needy (and if we can't, simply to have the desire to give is sufficient), but what if what the needy is asking for would not help them in the long run? Are we judging them by withholding from giving certain assistance and things as we try to encourage them to learn to do for themselves?
Back in California I visit taught a woman who said she needed help with money. I volunteered to watch her daughter for 20 hours a week for free while she worked. A few months later as I was in her home visiting, she proudly showed me the brand new wide-screen tv she had bought with all the money she had saved from daycare.
Um.
I stopped babysitting that week.
But, we are told that we should not stay our hand, even if the man has brought misery upon himself. So, today's post is more of a question: What are your thoughts? How do we strike the balance between never saying no to a person in need (as King Benjamin taught) and understanding when to say no, without judging them.
This half of the chapter is interesting to read in the light of the times. it says we are not to judge a person in need, but give all that we are able, for we not all beggars?
But in truth, there are some people truly in need due to hard times, and others in need/want because of their choices, so much so that taking handouts has become more of a given than an exception. Hence, when we give them what they ask for, it is enabling unhealthy behavior.
I'm sure King Benjamin didn't know the world 'enable,' but since he was taught this truth by an angel, I'm pretty sure his teaching here is solid.
So, we are told to give what we can to the needy (and if we can't, simply to have the desire to give is sufficient), but what if what the needy is asking for would not help them in the long run? Are we judging them by withholding from giving certain assistance and things as we try to encourage them to learn to do for themselves?
Back in California I visit taught a woman who said she needed help with money. I volunteered to watch her daughter for 20 hours a week for free while she worked. A few months later as I was in her home visiting, she proudly showed me the brand new wide-screen tv she had bought with all the money she had saved from daycare.
Um.
I stopped babysitting that week.
But, we are told that we should not stay our hand, even if the man has brought misery upon himself. So, today's post is more of a question: What are your thoughts? How do we strike the balance between never saying no to a person in need (as King Benjamin taught) and understanding when to say no, without judging them.
That is a hard question, but I think the answer is in vs 27. "see that all these things are done in wisdom and order"..This section is about living the law of consecration. Also about living by the Spirit & with love.
ReplyDeleteI think there is a big difference between being truly needy and just "wanting." Christ also taught that you should teach a man to fish instead of just giving him a fish. Plus there is feeding your famiy by the sweat of your brow. And yes, there is helping and giving. So there does have to be a balance.
ReplyDeleteThe only way to really know the answer is to listen to the spirit on a case by case basis. There are situations where to just outright give is the answer, and then there are times to teach. Dh and I have had this discussion numerous times over the years and the bottom line is this... if you are giving your time, talents, money, etc., in goodwill and out of love, if the person receiving it is not worthy of it- God will judge that. We still receive the blessings of helping. It is our own heart we are responsible for.