At what point does generousity become foolishness?

[Spiritraiser]

In reading the posts of whether to give to someone based on their perhaps lack of potential or what one may consider irresponsible behavior, I'm reminded of 2 things - "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and "judge not lest ye be judged".
Even though one might not believe they would ever be in a similar situation - I always stop and think - "What if it were me?" I have been judged many times in my life and I can say quite honestly I did not care for it.
Peace, love and abundance, Spiritraiser

[LoLo113]

Originally Posted by Spiritraiser

In reading the posts of whether to give to someone based on their perhaps lack of potential or what one may consider irresponsible behavior, I'm reminded of 2 things - "do unto others as you would have them do unto you" and "judge not lest ye be judged".
Even though one might not believe they would ever be in a similar situation - I always stop and think - "What if it were me?" I have been judged many times in my life and I can say quite honestly I did not care for it.
Peace, love and abundance, Spiritraiser

You are correct on the quotes. That is why I gave the person the money, I put myself in their shoes....could I leave that person that night and go back to my beautiful home with lights and a/c, meanwhile she is sitting in the dark sweating and miserable? Never, I couldn't do it, I gave her my last $60. I'm am not the judge, I know I helped her that day and she is grateful, so I have to know that I did the right thing for that time being.

Thank you for reminding me Spiritraiser

Laura

[Narnia]

I may have expressed myself poorly in the example I gave. But I think Lolo expressed it way better - it is making the difference between helping and enabling. This is not just about illnesses in the form of addictions but also e.g. giving a relative money when he/she does not make the least effort to find a job but is a potato coach. Baby-sitting that teenage daughter's baby so that she can go partying three times a week and bring home another baby and after that a third baby...
It is not about judging either, it is about love. Tough Love.
Giving the homeless / or drug-addict on the street a sandwich, what can possibly be wrong with that?

And I must add whenever I have been in a situation when I have asked for help of my loved ones, mainly my sisters and if they look at me and say No. I really go back and analyse what is it I'm asking of them - it is most time, not something that is good for me; that would help me grow. I can count on them to say No to me when I am going astray. And I am so grateful for that.

[kingskid]

I have a similar situation in my family where a neice does not look for work, her or her husband, and then cries for money to buy food and pay bills. When they do get money it is not spent for food for their children but on drugs and alcohol. I solve the issue in my heart by buying groceries occasionally to feed the children but I do not give money in this situation.

[SeaOfTranquility]

One thing that has always been important to me is that whatever person I give gifts or generosity to uses these gifts in wise ways, and doesn't resort to spending money on vices, or if the gift was wisdom...if they refuse to listen to it.

[umaybrt]

The Final Analysis

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered,
...forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives,
... be kind anyway.

If you are succesful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies,
... succeed anyway.

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you,
... be honest and frank anyway.

What you spend years building someone could destroy overnight,
... build anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous,
... be happy anyway.

The good that you do today, people will often forget about tomorrow,
... do good anyway.

Give the world the best that you have and it may never be enough,
... give the best that you have anyway.

You see, in the final analysis, it is between you and God,
... it was never between you and them anyway.

Mother Teresa

[Essence]

Greetings All,

I just wanted to say I think this has been a great thread with many wonderful posts, opinions and heartfelt responses. I have really enjoyed it.
And umaybrt, thank you so much for sharing with us Mother Teresa's words. They and she radiate pure loving energy.

Love, Light and Blessings,

Namaste

Essence

[DianneMarie]

There is a scripture quote that came to mind when reading this thread, "The flesh is weak, but the spirit is strong" , and it serves to help me refocus when in doubt

[Narnia]

The question is what is true generosity - the giving of material goods like food and money or the giving of oneself? Giving of one-self, there is no point at which generosity becomes foolishness.