- Jun 25, 2018
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I was referring to this ^
Sometimes evil people will take what they want and what are we to do then, if we're to follow Christ's example?
Oh okay - I had more the wino who is asking for booze but needed food in mind when I wrote that.
I tend to think in terms of experiences most people are more likely to encounter today and determine how best God would expect us to react.
I've been disabled for 20+ years so have had many the financial challenges since.
I used to live in such a safe area that I never needed to lock my doors when I left the house, and could leave my car keys in the ignition without having my car stolen at the grocery store.
Once my daughter had wanted a musical instrument to learn how to play - so I saved forever it seemed. I stuck my little extra 5 dollars here, 10 dollars there under the mattress until I finally had enough money to buy that for her, along with some lessons. She was just a child at the time, about 11 years old I think.
It was a huge thing, this instrument. 2 weeks later it was stolen out of my home when I wasn't there. I actually cried because it was irreplaceable to me.
Not only that, but I knew the person who took it.
I believe I did the right thing at the time, though I wasn't saved then
But this is the type of thing we are likely to run into.
I do know I would handle the situation a little different today as a saved Christian. Back then I didn't do anything, I didn't call the police or press charge or anything), and found it in my heart to forgive - though it took time.
With the whole WWJD aspect, I think today I would reach out and ask if I could help them with some need they had that I didn't know about.. as well as likely mention the theft itself and forgive them verbally for it as well as the heart forgiveness. Why? Because all that is love.
Even disabled there were things I could have done to help, including offering to enlist myself with my kids' help to babysit free for a month or so while they played financial catch up.
I couldn't have done it long physically even with the help of my own kids, but for a short time it might have helped more than just ignoring the theft.
This I think is what Jesus means when He says if they ask for your shirt give them your coat too. Because they might really be hurting, and it's a rare opportunity to show Christ.
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