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Helping Those Who Misuse Our Help
Helping Those Who Misuse Our Help
Ever wonder if we should give money to those who might wrongly use it for alcohol or drugs?
Besides God causing it to rain on the righteous and unrighteous (Matthew5:45), let’s consider another example.
Sometimes helping others, doing them favors, and such, backfires. Despite us doing them a favor does not mean we are responsible for their misuse of the opportunity.
In John 18, Jesus has been arrested. John was an acquaintance of the high priest, so he went with Jesus into the courtyard of the Jewish leader. Not having the connections John did, Peter remained outside.
John noticed his absence and got Peter passed the locked door. This favor, this friendly use of one’s connections to help another, led to Peter using this opportunity…
To deny Jesus three times.
John gave Peter an opportunity, which he used resulting in his downfall. Is John responsible for Peter’s sins? Is John accountable for Peter misusing the opportunity he gave Peter?
No.
While we need to be wise as serpents and innocent as doves (Matthew10:16), may this example help us to remain gracious to others in need; and not feel guilty if they use our gifts for sin. Like God, may we cause our generosity to “rain” on the righteous and unrighteous.
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