Biblical Answer

Is it Fair to Ask for Financial Help When You've Been Blessed Before?

#### The Nature of Faith and Trust

Faith never judges God by circumstances. When you pray for money and it doesn't come, don't blame God. Don't ask "Why?" Maybe it's not God's time to give you money. Maybe God will answer your prayers in a different way. Faith has complete trust in God even when circumstances don't go as expected. It's not about getting what you want, but about trusting in God's sovereignty and goodness.

#### The Importance of Generosity and Giving

However, it's crucial to examine our hearts and motivations when asking for financial help. Are we asking God to give us money because we want to be generous, or because we want to get something in return? The Bible teaches that when we give, we are to give generously from our hearts, not because we expect some kind of power or blessing. Many people in churches today believe that if they give enough money, God will be gracious to them. But the grace of God is not for sale. We are to give because it's a natural response to God's love and generosity, not because we expect something in return.

#### The Role of Trust and Obedience

When asking for financial help, it's essential to trust God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances don't go as expected. We should examine our hearts and motivations, making sure we're not asking God for money to get something in return. Instead, we should ask God to show us what it means to live a life of generosity and giving, even when it's difficult. We should seek to obey God's law of charity and please Him in our giving, not just to get something in return. By trusting God and living a life of obedience, we can experience the blessings of wholeness, prosperity, and generosity that God has promised to those who follow Him.

The Balance Between Trust and Responsibility

#### Living a Life of Trust and Obedience

When it comes to asking for financial help, it's crucial to strike a balance between trust and responsibility. On one hand, we should trust God's sovereignty and goodness, even when circumstances don't go as expected. We should have faith that God will provide for our needs, even when it's not in the way we expect. On the other hand, we should also take responsibility for our financial decisions and actions. We should be careful not to abuse God's generosity or take advantage of others' kindness. We should strive to live a life of obedience to God's law of charity, giving generously and freely, without expecting something in return.

#### The Dangers of a "Tit-for-Tat" Mentality

Some people may have a "tit-for-tat" mentality, believing that if they give enough money, God will be gracious to them. But this mentality is not biblical. The grace of God is not for sale, and we are not to give because we expect something in return. Instead, we should give because it's a natural response to God's love and generosity. We should seek to please God and obey His law of charity, not just to get something in return. By living a life of trust and obedience, we can experience the blessings of wholeness, prosperity, and generosity that God has promised to those who follow Him.

#### The Importance of Heart Motivation

When asking for financial help, it's essential to examine our heart motivation. Are we asking God to give us money because we want to be generous, or because we want to get something in return? Are we seeking to please God and obey His law of charity, or are we trying to manipulate God into giving us what we want? We should seek to have a heart that is generous, kind, and obedient to God's law of charity. By doing so, we can experience the blessings of wholeness, prosperity, and generosity that God has promised to those who follow Him.