Being taken advantage of???

[TRAVlS]

Is there a line between being selfless (not selfish) and being taken advantage of? For example, someone asked me for money a little while back and I knew that the reason they didn't have money was because they kept buying expensive jewelry and the next latest phones and so on... To be honest, its so much easier to give to someone that is just simply struggling for money rather than spending it unwisely. Another example is, someone I knew would always ask me for car rides when I live at least 30 minutes away from them. I did for a while then I started to wonder if I was just being taken advantage of or being selfless and helping people. Please don't misunderstand why I wrote this. It wasn't to complain or gossip but to get some opinions on this. Is there a point where you can say no to somebody but still feel like you did the right thing by it? This verse comes to mind when I think of this. vvvvvvvv

Luke 6:30
"Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."

[Protective Angel]

Is there a line between being selfless (not selfish) and being taken advantage of? For example, someone asked me for money a little while back and I knew that the reason they didn't have money was because they kept buying expensive jewelry and the next latest phones and so on... To be honest, its so much easier to give to someone that is just simply struggling for money rather than spending it unwisely. Another example is, someone I knew would always ask me for car rides when I live at least 30 minutes away from them. I did for a while then I started to wonder if I was just being taken advantage of or being selfless and helping people. Please don't misunderstand why I wrote this. It wasn't to complain or gossip but to get some opinions on this. Is there a point where you can say no to somebody but still feel like you did the right thing by it? This verse comes to mind when I think of this. vvvvvvvv

Luke 6:30
"Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."

Very good verse.

I tell people who borrow money from me that they have a month to pay it back or don't ask to borrow again.

Also, they are wasteing money on things they really don't need. Like a habit.
I won't loan money to people with bad habits.

[PJW]

Jesus said, "Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away." (Matt 5:42)
Jesus said He would provide for all our needs, so if you can help your "brother", do so by the grace of God. Use the time in the car to show your rider why you help him, that is, that you are a servant of God. Who knows? Maybe he will turn his life over to our good and loving God. Keep talking about Jesus, and the things in the bible that compel you to serve others. To God's glory.
If he is a hater of our Lord Jesus Christ, he will quit asking you for help.
If he is just wasting your gifts, tell him to sign an I. O. U., and arrange a re-payment plan.

[Slug1]

Is there a line between being selfless (not selfish) and being taken advantage of? For example, someone asked me for money a little while back and I knew that the reason they didn't have money was because they kept buying expensive jewelry and the next latest phones and so on... To be honest, its so much easier to give to someone that is just simply struggling for money rather than spending it unwisely. Another example is, someone I knew would always ask me for car rides when I live at least 30 minutes away from them. I did for a while then I started to wonder if I was just being taken advantage of or being selfless and helping people. Please don't misunderstand why I wrote this. It wasn't to complain or gossip but to get some opinions on this. Is there a point where you can say no to somebody but still feel like you did the right thing by it? This verse comes to mind when I think of this. vvvvvvvv

Luke 6:30
"Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again."

I tactic to do concerning the money is when they ask for money, you then ask them WHAT the money is for. If they say food, then you take them to the store and tell them to put whatever food they need that you'll cover. Also, insist they buy bulk if they can, no name brands and to use coupons

If they tell you the money is for gas, go to the station with them and pay for the gas after they pump it.

If they tell you the money of for a bill... then you go to the place with them and pay, or get a money order in their name so they can mail it off.

If they say they want it for something they "want" but don't need, SAY NO.

Tell them that you'll help them financially only AFTER they first go over their bills with you and you can help them develop a budget and ONLY after this is done, will you offer the money. You know... teach them TO fish!

[Saved7]

Even Paul said that he doesn't mean for people to give until they are impoverished while others benefit from them and live lavishly. I think that's in 2 Corinthians toward the end, where he's discussing collections.

[andrew_no_one]

I’d suggest (strongly) to the would-be borrower that they sell some of their jewelry. You are not called to provide luxuries to people.

[Saved7]

I’d suggest (strongly) to the would-be borrower that they sell some of their jewelry. You are not called to provide luxuries to people.

Amen! And no one tried to take it from you violently either. Remember, your money is God's, you're just a steward.

[Dani H]

You're not called by God to provide people's wants. Even God Himself only ever promises us to provide our needs.

If someone is genuinely in need ... then sure, give all your little heart wants to.

But wants? Not so much. People are expected to work for what they want and to not live beyond their means. It's not your problem if someone refuses to budget and use common sense and doesn't have their priorities right. Tell them to come talk to you again when they're in actual need of something.

[Saved7]

Just wanted to clarify my last statement. You're a steward of God's money be wise don't just give it to whomever for whatever. If a drug addict asked for money for drugs would you feel bad for saying no?

[Gilligan]

One problem is if you loan money once, they will feel free to ask again.