“Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back” (Lk 6:30).
I made a personal decision that I would not lend to anyone ever.
It has set me free to be more generous in my heart.
When someone asks to borrow from me I readily give it not expecting it back, be it a book, money, a coat or a CD. I consider it gifted. There is no disappointment if I never see it again, or feeling that someone is in my debt (that is awkward for both parties and ruins a relationship). I don't think of possessions as mine but as a gift from God I TRY to hold things loosely and value people over things.
Being in debt is a form of slavery. I don't want to be responsible for your bondage.
I personally owe a friend money, and I am grateful that they helped me out when I was in a bind but it creates a shame in me and a perceivable resentment in him. I don't want to do that to others.
It is hard to admit that sometimes we need help from others, that we are not independent. You need help with a jump for your car, you need a ride home, you need to borrow a cup of sugar, you need a couch to crash on tonight.
It is hard to ask for these things...
and hard to receive- even when it is offered unsolicited.
Do you feel the same tension of obligation and gratitude?
The verse tells us we are not to withhold anything:
“Give to everyone who begs from you, and from one who takes away your goods do not demand them back” (Lk 6:30).
This discipline of generosity has room to be developed in every heart.
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