Thursday, August 11, 2011

When is enough enough?

     I was asked recently, “when is enough enough?” In context, the question was basically “when do we stop helping someone in need, especially when they have bad habits that could add to the problem?” The answer is simple if we are willing to look at Scripture on the issue. In this case, we cannot do too much to love people to Christ!
     In Acts chapter 2:42-47 Luke writes, “They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.  Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles.  All the believers were together and had everything in common.  Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts,  praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”
     I agree that every situation is different so we need to pray about being good stewards of God’s resources, but I do not see God putting a limit on how much we , the Church, should help. Some people who are coming to Christ have so much baggage that they need help unpacking. The Apostle Paul said, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2).
     No matter where you land on this topic, there is a level of compassion and patience that, as believers, we are expected to extend to people who are searching out their faith. I think we would all agree that Christ has handled us patiently and compassionately. Never did he say to us enough is enough! Instead, when we were in the worst possible condition, Jesus sacrificed everything, giving his very life for us (Romans 5:8).
 
So when is enough really enough?
                                                                                                      
Greg Edens

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