Is there anything wrong with a sister in Christ helping a fellow Christian fallen on hard times?
Question:
Hi Brother Hamilton,
I have a question that concerns the aiding of a brother or sister in Christ. If there is a member of the congregation who has fallen on hard times (financial chaos, or removal due to an abusive relationship), and a female member of the church has informed the church and its elders that she is set up to provide because God has blessed her to have a loving home and is able to support (food, water, and shelter) a brother in Christ while he gets back on his feet - is there any Scripture that goes against this action?
Answer:
If you are talking about a single female, with no one else in the house, inviting a single male to live with her, then it would not be appropriate -- especially if they are close in age. Sexual temptation is strong and we must avoid situations that can cause temptation. "A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it" (Proverbs 22:3). It is fine that she wants to help, but she needs to do so where she isn't putting herself in harm's way while doing so.
If this is a situation where sexual temptation would not be present, then there is no problem with her choice of aiding a fellow Christian. "Charge those who are rich in this present world that they not be haughty, nor have their hope set on the uncertainty of riches, but on the living God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy; that they do good, that they be rich in good works, that they be ready to distribute, willing to communicate; laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold of eternal life" (I Timothy 6:17-19).
