What should I do? What would you do?

[Digdoug]

One of my coworkers stopped me before I left work last night and handed me a shopping bag from a local Christian book store. She said she had a gift for Brian and our family. Inside was a jewelry box and 2 receipts. The jewelry box contained a St. Christopher's medallion on a chain, sterling silver, and a small cross to carry in your pocket. In addition to the jewelry was a hundred dollar bill. Now, we can always use the cash but I tried hard for her to take the money back but she refused to.

I know it is a gift, but they are in bad financial shape themselves and I know they really need it. The medallion cost $36 with tax. That should be plenty.

Should we just accept it? I feel guilty for taking it knowing they need it themselves and yet I don't want to hurt their feelings either.

She is one of the coworkers I've been witnessing to.

What should I do?

Thanks and God bless,

 

[Anonymous]

I understand your feelings. First. If she and her family are Christians, They are doing what God has lead them to do. If it were me. I would take the gift and thank her. Then I would give my 10% to the Lord, Then find out if she goes to Chruch. Then I would give the rest to her Chruch in her name. If not, I would do something to bless her family also. This way it is a blessing to all.

Just my 3 cents worth :

Jeff

 

[Pete in MI]

it is by giving that God gives the increase. There are those who have little and give what they can. It is to help their Brothers and Sisters in Christ. God knows our needs even more than we do. It is not of selfishness - "ok if I give a little God will give me a lot" - though that is one of the wonderous things God does for us. But to help one another. God blesses the 'doer of the Word'. And she is doing.

Remember the story of the woman who only had enough for one last meal and then was going to die instead she gave what she had to another - and was blessed?

Remember Jesus say "Give and it shall be given, pressed down, shaken together and overflowing".

I would accept the gifts and I would be sure to pray that God would richly bless the lady and her family for the sacrifice she has made.

What do you think means more to God - a gift from someone who had much more than he could ever use or is a gift from someone who has little to give but gives freely and ungrudgingly anyway?

It is my pray that "Father God, you are wonderful to us and you always meet our needs according to your riches in glory by Christ Jesus. You surprise us each day in so many ways and I pray that the blessing to Doug and his family from his co-worker be a blessing to Doug and his family and that it be a beginning to an even bigger blessing to the co-worker and her family. Please meet the needs of his co-workers family and show them the richness of your love as well. Bless them all in Jesus name. Amen."

 

[Mike Chgo area]

n/t

 

[Mike from MI "Iron Brigade"]

I learned that you should never deny some the oppertunity to bless someone else. In this case they wish to bless your family. Accept it and give God all the glory! God will likely bless them for blessing you!

 

[TuckyTector(InezKY)]

the co-worker gave from the heart what she could give. She felt there was a need and wanted to help. I have been down financially and then saw someone that was in more need than me. I always follow my heart when faced with this. I know god has put it on my heart to give and I do it. It always bothers me when the gift is turned down. So take the gift and money, thank the co-worker and use it for whatever your needs are. God might call on you to return the favor in the future. If a gift is given from the heart, God will Bless.
God Bless
KY Bud

 

[SEMPERFI61]

n/t

 

[steve in so la]

s

 

[puddlejumper]

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[warthog]

n/t

 

[Joe G]

Put yourself in the giver's shoes and you'll know exactly what to do.

 

[Shawano~]

by her heart and spirit. I feel that if you accept it, you will be blessing her as well. She will be blessed by God for her love towards you. Pray that God does just that!!

 

[MI$$OURI BETTY]

witnessing to her this is her way of letting him know that the Word of God is softening her heart and she is doing what she is being led to do by the Holy Spirit. She will be blessed and then Doug will be blessed again, for I believe she is ready to accept Jesus as her own personal Savior and may already have! God bless her family and Doug's too!

Sister Betty

 

[MI$$OURI BETTY]

n/t

 

[MI$$OURI BETTY]

Hi Doug,

My main answer is under Pete's posting...but here's what I would do...to keep from hurting her feelings and keeping her from being blessed...I would accept her gifts and then in time as the Holy Spirit leads you, you will be blessing her or someone else who needs blessed and strengthened spiritually when they need it the most! Also, you can pray and ask God to bless her mightily, to save her to the point that she knows she is saved in Christ Jesus, and what He would have you to do with the money!

Give Brian the Medallion and the cross to strengthen and encourage him, for this surgery may try to discourage him...but knowing he has the St. Christopher's medal and the cross....he can be assured that Jesus is with him even in the worst of times! Brian is a believer and brave...but with these surgeries God knows exactly what he needs and your family....so keep everything and be blessed and she and her family will be blessed knowing that she is helping all of you. I believe she is either saved now or ready to accept Jesus as her own personal Savior! How blessed you really are, Doug, to be a witness and to see the fruits of your labor by God's saving grace!

God Bless!
Sister Betty (Ma & Gramma)

 

[Jim West Pa]

but as far as the medal goes.....it's just a piece of metal.If i may quote a man of authority..."no one shall come to the FATHER but thru Me".It is the Holy Spirit and our Saviour JESUS CHRIST that lead us to the glory of our FATHER and nothing or no one else.

 

[Digdoug]

...the prayers and the confirmations that I should accept her gift. I gave Brian the medallion and cross and he loves them!

I really like her and her boyfriend and would love to see them both accept Christ and get married. I'm always telling her I don't want to go to heaven without her.

We used part of the money to go see the movie "Amazing Grace" last night. He has been to Gatlinburg, out to eat at his favorite restaurants and to see a couple of movies. He is starting to use his walker again some so I hope to take him metal detecting soon too.

Mike from MI: Thanks for the e-mail!!!

Brian is now out of school until after the surgery. He can't sleep at night and falls asleep in school so we are setting up a homebound teacher for him. Until then his teachers are e-mailing homework assignments for him.

Thanks again for everything!!!