Often "I'll pray for you." = "Be Warm and Fed

Russell Roberts · Postby **Russell Roberts** » September 3rd, 2009, 5:42 am

Have you ever noticed that when someone needs help, all too often the response is "O.K. brother, I'll pray for you." when we might have the resources at hand to REALLY help that person?

paul · Postby **paul** » September 3rd, 2009, 5:50 am

Russell Roberts wrote:Have you ever noticed that when someone needs help, all too often the response is "O.K. brother, I'll pray for you." when we might have the resources at hand to REALLY help that person?

I am all to aware of it.

1Jn 3:16-18 Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

But whoso hath this world's good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?

My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

MacUser · Postby **MacUser** » September 3rd, 2009, 6:43 am

Sure I agree. Great discussion

Question: What do you do about the ones that are living above means?
I can't make my Cadillac payment? I can't make my mansion payment?
I maxed out everything I have and spent every nickel on luxuries and my now my kids need [ Christmas presents, Clothes, Medical Care ]? Not the basic request... but ones that fit the lifestyle level.

Meaning it comes down to mismanagement instead of need?

Russell Roberts · Postby **Russell Roberts** » September 3rd, 2009, 7:22 am

Mac, I think we just have to use some wisdom in these cases. Obviously, we too have limited resources to meet the needs of other people while meeting the needs of our own family. You have asked a good question. I ask the same kind of question when I consider giving. Is this person living above their means? Why are they in the financial position they are in? I just take it on a case by case basis. I try to help most in cases where people, through no fault of their own, have gotten into a tight spot.

RamboPreacher · Postby **RamboPreacher** » September 3rd, 2009, 8:53 am

Russell Roberts wrote:Have you ever noticed that when someone needs help, all too often the response is "O.K. brother, I'll pray for you." when we might have the resources at hand to REALLY help that person?

agreed, though discernment is needed. around here nearly every year the news stations do articles on the "poor and needy" and especially the ones looking for handouts. typical: the guy on the side of the road with the sign that says will work for food; after a day of people not giving him work, but rather money, goes across the block and gets in his Mercedes to drive home to his house.

Jude 2