Prior Book | Prior Chapter | Prior Verse | Next Verse | Next Chapter | Next Book | Viewing NASB and Amplified 2015 | |
NASB | Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and gives. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Psalm 37:21 The wicked borrows and does not pay back, But the righteous is gracious and kind and gives. |
Bible Question:
How do you help a Christian friend who borrows a large amount of money from you,promises to pay you back within the year but doesn't. Several years pass; however,every Christmas, you receive a card signed "your friend always, Alice". I do not know how to respond to her in my Christmas because I feel hurt and used. |
Bible Answer: The other posts here bring excellent points to the table. Solomon spoke often in Proverbs on lending and finances, and recognized many pitfalls in dealing with it. Many friends and families have come into division over it. I decided at one point many years ago when facing a situation like yours, that I had to find God's heart on the matter and settle it for myself in order to have peace. I suggest you do a word search on lend, and borrow because God does have some very specific things to say on the subject. The other two post point to two specific issues. The offense and your response to the offense. The offense is clear that your friend did not keep their word which is a violation of trust. But your response must be your main concern. The first step would be to be very honest with God about your true feelings and motives. Another's wrong does not justify an unloving heart because God has provided the means to purify our hearts. The reason this is so vital is that whatever path the Holy Spirit directs you must be taken in love, and unless your heart is pure more harm can be done. Luke 6:30 Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. Deuteronomy 15:2-19 This passage is excellent for setting guidelines on lending/giving. Based on this and Proverbs I concluded that since everything I have was given to me by my Father to USE but not possess, I do not 'lend', I give. If someone gives back, I consider that a contribution back to God to regive. I concluded this when the Lord instructed me to 'give' to him, or release the debt of someone who owed me as a gift unto Him. Peace came to my soul. Now if a brother or sister asks and I have to give, I give and I do not lend. It would be fine to speak to your friend on the subject if God leads you to do so, but not until any anger, resentment or bitterness has been removed. More harm will be done in the kingdom then, but if you can speak and have no concern for getting 'paid back' you are free and you can set your friend free as well. This way the true enemy is the looser. |
Up | Down View Branch | ID# 70060 | ||
Questions and/or Subjects for Ps 37:21 | Author | ||
|
Patches | ||
|
Searcher56 | ||
|
mbooker | ||
|
gracefull | ||
|
worleybird72 | ||
|
Jazz1946 | ||
|
my3boyzz |