Does being a Christian mean that I have to allow myself to be taken advantage of?
I am struggling with this one. A situation has arisen and I described it to a close friend on the phone this morning and explained how I felt, and when she said, "That's not very Christian," I had to agree with her, and say that I knew it wasn't but didn't feel that it was fair that I should be taken advantage of because I am more likely to do something for someone because I am a Christian.
Oh dear! Thoughts welcome...
Trying to live my life for God and my family, with an eye on the pennies!
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5 comments:
Lost a long comment - darn!
Be as innocent as doves and as wise as serpents is somewhere in the gospels. Also, by their fruit you shall know them. This assistance that is being requested - who will benefit most? What will be the fruit of this assistance and will it be one instance or a chain?
You are run ragged and doing a great deal of service, to your family, to your school and to the gym and to God with your training. How much extra is there? There isn't enough for you so how urgent is it that other stuff is neglected in order for you to be taken advantage of?
How about not casting pearls before swine, because you are a generous person who would give and give so feeling taken advantage of must be pretty significant.
Can you tell that I do not think that Christian means the same as mug? hth WS xxx (who thinks you need to spend more energy on you)
I struggle with the phrase "That's not very Christian" - cos ALL of us who are Xns are still sinners [even if we know we are redeemed]
I am OK with saying "That's not very Christ-like" - but only to MYSELF. I have no right at all to judge another person's actions.
My Mum used to say WWJD - what would Jesus do? - YEARS before it became trendy to wear the badges and bracelets.
Jesus spoke out for what was RIGHT. Because you are a kind, generous and loving person, you WILL be taken advantage of. But that does not mean there are not times when you should say "No, sorry, I cannot do that right now. I have other calls on my time/money/whatever and I do not feel that particular course of action is the right one for me. It may not be convenient for you, but you are not the one who plans my life for me."
Yes, that IS hard. Yes, it is easier sometimes to acquiesce and go with the flow, just to keep the peace. But in the long run, if you find yourself resenting it, nobody wins, [except the devil]
I have a situation myself at the minute, can't discuss it publicly.
feel free to email me for an off-blog discussion of this one!
blessings xx
“Just as a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. For He Himself knows our frame; He is mindful that we are but dust” (Psalm 103:13-14). He understands our humanity and no, he does not expect us to be abused, indeed he is the Shepherd who tends his sheep, that includes you.
As much as we must show compassion for others, we should show ourselves compassion too, as we are also children of God.
Be led by Him. Hope this helps.
Arwedd xx
Thanks, all of you kind ladies. I had decided that I wasn't going to be taken advantage of in this case, but you have made me feel less guilty about sticking up for myself a bit.
Thank you!
Good!
and thanks for comment on my blog today too
blessings xx
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