Borrowing and Humanism

Dr. Couch, Christ said in Matthew 5:42 that we should give to someone whatever they ask of us, and "do not turn them away who wants to borrow from you." Would this include giving to them things that would hurt them, drugs, liquor, or whatever? ANSWER:  Well, of course not. And that is assumed in the larger context of these verses called the Sermon on the Mount. The larger context is established in verse 16 where Christ said "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven."    Doing "good works" and not "evil works" is what the Lord is talking about. To give something harmful to someone would be evil and not good! It is assumed also in the passage that the asking for help is in reference to a true need and that the person is asking for assistance with all sincerity. He needs honest charity. But it is also important to note that he is not simply "a taker." He is willing to borrow and even able to return what he has borrowed.    In working with people the Bible is assuming we are using common sense and discernment in what we are doing. We are supposed to note the character of the borrower and not simply doing what our Federal government does today—"Come one and come all! We're going to just give it all away in our socialistic government handout!"    In our present socialistic system in America, we are practicing SYMPATHETIC HUMANISM! That is, we are not requiring responsibility. This all started under President Lyndon Johnson who created what is known as the Entitlement Program. He gave billions away for women who had children out of wedlock, and free housing. This removed responsibility from a certain segment of our society. It also allowed them to stop working and it enabled them in their sin. Unmarried women started having more and more children, and, the men involved, had their sexual "fun" without being responsible! "Have all the illegitimate children you want! The government will pay for it all!"    We are to be BIBLICALLY HUMANISTIC when there is a genuine need and when the person is truly helpless. That is not the case today. It has been documented that most of the homeless are not really homeless. They honestly want to live on the streets and be irresponsible. They like that life-style and would have it no other way. But they want the freebies and not be held accountable.    It takes a proper judgment call to discern when there is a real need and when you are simply dealing with takers!    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch