Family Money

(Proverbs 22:26 KJV)  Be not thou one of them that strike hands, or of them that are sureties for debts.

This verse reminds us of the relationships we have in the body of Christ.  We are family, not business.  I am sure you have seen the references to rich and poor, powerful and weak.  People have differences and they are recognized.  We are not told to do away with those differences but to function together in mutual consideration that goes beyond them.  The issue here is money.

We are told to not get into financial bonds with each other.  It does not say we should refuse to help.  It does say that we are not to give help for our personal gain.  In a business relationship you agree on terms, sign a contract and hold people accountable.  If one party breaks the contract then the other demands the consequences because it is their due and right.  In a family you may agree on terms and hold people accountable but you do it for the benefit of the family which includes both members.  Parents may assign their children tasks and provide consequences but they do it to benefit the child, not to line their own pockets.

So?  Generally I give when there is a need.  I don’t loan.  That way if I don’t get any money back I don’t feel let down.  People in real need probably can’t afford to pay back.  People who are not in real need don’t need the money.