WHAT IF I AM ASKED TO GIVE A LOAN OR TO STAND AS GUARANTOR?
It's been about a month since I shared a reflection.
So here's a thought to keep in touch and to encourage all of us to reflect on how God's Word can be applied in our lives.
Recently a Christian friend of mine was approached for financial help from another Christian.
And this triggers the question: What is the Christian response If I Am Asked To Be A Guarantor Or To Give A Loan?
Reflect on how the following verses apply to the situation and how we can reconcile them.
Prov 19:17 He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.
Deut 15:10 Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
Deut 15:11 There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.
And we are to give and don't turn anyone away as in Mt 5:42!???
Mt 5:42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Yet …
Prov 17:18 A man lacking in judgment strikes hands in pledge and puts up security for his neighbor.
Prov 11:15 He who puts up security for another will surely suffer, but whoever refuses to strike hands in pledge is safe.
Are Proverbs general or applies to every specific situation?
Have we guaranteed for a family member or someone we know “in contradiction” to this proverb?
What is the rationale?
Is Matt 5:42 a hyperbole - an exaggerated statement to add emphasis?
- much like “if your right eye causes you to sin, gouge it out” (Mt 5:29).
Would a blinded person have no lust?
How would different circumstances yield different responses for financial help?
E.g. Those who buy a simple home (need) and loses a job versus those who invest in a second property dependent on rental to service the loan - and the rental market takes a dive because of the recession.
Is there a difference between helping the poor versus those who suddenly become poor?
God commands us to be openhanded to the poor. What will the poor need?
What principles can we arrive at from the many Bible verses to guide us in answering the Subject question - to lend / guarantee or not to lend / guarantee?
May God grant us discernment in applying His Word ...
