JFJ Forums

As a Christian or Messianic, can or should we loan money?

I have always paid back personal loans, from friends, and family.

That may not be the norm.

If we do loan money should we always expect to be repaid?

Should we "secretly" discriminate against non-christians or other socio-economic groups when renting living quarters?

It takes a certain "kind" or of temperament to give money away expecting 0 in return. Y'shua said to do this. (JAMES GOT SPECIFIC)

Have you ever done this, and to what extent dollar wise?

[color=navy]Search God's word.  Heed God's word.  Help the 'need' as you are able.  Do not crow, or cry about it.  You may well be doing it to the 'least of His brethren,' as He commanded all believers of God, YHVH.

In service to Messiah, His Shalom unto you and all.  Arley

Money, as in any other material worldly possession is just that – of this world.  
Jesus prayed to the Father for his disciples and said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world.” (John 17:16 KJV)  He went further and spoke “Neither pray I for these alone, but for them also which shall believe on me through their word.” (John 17:20 KJV)  

Now in regard to your question, from my perspective I try not to hold much value on the “things” that I have.  God has graced me with good things.  Yet, with the knowledge embedded within my heart that I am not of this world, I do my best not to look upon those things as solely, “MINE.”
For if you reflect upon your faith as a follower of Christ, these possessions are temporal.  What is very important is striving for those things that are permanent.   Yes, I’ve leant money as well as given money to those that needed (not wanted) it.  On a loan, do we expect repayment?  Of course, that is why we call it a loan.  Yet if I lend money to an individual, and they unexpectedly ran upon hard times or some other valid situation happened were they could not pay me back.  I would pray for them and ask God to bless them.  If in time, the loan was repaid, or if it ended up that it was never paid back….I lent something that I could afford to lend and being that is the case, I can also afford to lose.  In all of these type of transactions (as well as renting out a room, or another house), I pray about them first.  And before I act, I make sure that the Holy Spirit has said, “Yes” within my heart.  And if I help some soul that is not a follower of Christ (yet), I try to use part of that help as being an example and hope that I am provided the chance to at least plant a seed in His name.
To put this type of subject in a better perspective I recommend reading Luke 12:22-34

Whenever I have loaned money, in my mind, it was a GIFT. If I was repaid, fine, if not, fine too.

Renting is a business relationship, let the LORD lead you, personally. IMO.

Depends on the weight you can carry?

The ability to endure the weight will depend on your personal position and strength.
Equality is equal sacrifice so you are not called to carry all the burdens of your family, your local church or the worlds.

Walk in the spirit with a pure conscience for if you acknowledge him in all your ways He will direct your path.

scriptures...

1Pe 2:19-20 NIV  For it is commendable if a man bears up under the pain of unjust suffering because he is conscious of God.  (20)  But how is it to your credit if you receive a beating for doing wrong and endure it? But if you suffer for doing good and you endure it, this is commendable before God.

1Co 6:7-8 NIV  The very fact that you have lawsuits among you means you have been completely defeated already. Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?  (8)  Instead, you yourselves cheat and do wrong, and you do this to your brothers.

2Co 8:12-13 NIV For if the willingness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has, not according to what he does not have.  (13)  Our desire is not that others might be relieved while you are hard pressed, but that there might be equality.

Act 20:35 NIV In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: `It is more blessed to give than to receive.’

Mat 5:48 NIV  Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

FINALLY DO NOT PICK UP A BURDEN THAT IS NOT YOURS OR YOU WILL BURN OUT.

SOMETIMES YOU MUST STAND UP FOR YOUR RIGHTFUL SHARE!

Act 6:1 NIV In those days when the number of disciples was increasing, the Grecian Jews among them complained against the Hebraic Jews because their widows were being overlooked in the daily distribution of food.

A true brother lets his brother know when one has sinned against him.

Should we openly discriminate against non-christians or other socio-economic groups when renting living quarters?

continued , specific, hypothetical,

2 couples vie for the same house, one couple is heterosexual and of the household of faith and qualifies. (good credit)

1 is a Lesbian (gay) couple that qualifies. (good credit)

Who would you rent to?

I would rent to the heterosexual couple. Why...... biblical.

Household of faith wins hands down with one clause and one clause alone.
Unless the L-rd speaks.

Physical family would also fall into the favor category?
Do I not have the right to do with my wealth and money as I please?

As a Christian I believe we should be identified with special love for our brothers which would trickle down to Israels physical seed also...

Cor, Just to be the "devil's advocate" here, how about this scenario: Yes, the heterosexual Christian couple would definitely be the preference--however, should something happen and they not pay, then would you be willing to bear that burden or would you evict them? Knowing that by the eviction process you take them to court--and the Bible commands us not to take each other to court!

With the other couple, you know they are doing ungodly things in YOUR house in private, but if they don't pay, there are no problems biblically in taking them to court.

What say ye?

Chow_woman, You sure do inject  mind-teasers, don't you?  Well Done!

I don't know how the 'twist' got in place.  I believe the original question about renting, was 'secretly.'  

Please allow this considerationable thought:  We all 'descriminate,' every time we make a decision, big, or small (turn left, or right; work, or laze; chew, or swallow; etc).

Please remember what YHVH said about hateful discrimination, refusing to lend, and causing a person to be subject to slavery.  I believe it all boiled down to: 'Don't do it, sukkah, or I will nail you to the barn yard door.'  (or something like that).

In Messiah, His Shalom on one and all.  Arley

Chow, I say you are quite a help, as the rest of you "guys" are.

Magnaminous submission to Prowler's recommendation to pray and act on the lead.

Thanks for your input, all.

Oh, BTW,

A pastor friend of mine said, or explained through example, that credit cards are for the christian's benefit and convenience if used in a responsible manner.