The Bible & lending money

[Sonak]

Hi all, can someone tell me where it states in the bible that charity starts at home before you help others or something along thoughs line, as I'm sure there is something about this. If you are struggling with money yourself but a friend asks you to lend her money even though you have lent her money before, what do you do according to the Bible? Thanks in advance

[123everton]

I'm no theologian.
But I think the phrase is "charity begins at home but does'nt end there", realistically you don't need to refer to the Bible in order to solve this problem.
If you've lent her money before did you get it back without a problem?
If so then the next thing you need to ascertain is how much she wants to borrow, if it's alot of money (say over �100) and you have'nt got it then personally I'd say no. I have a rule of never lending more than �50 to anyone other than family I would'nt dream of asking a friend for more than that. I'd be appalled if I asked for �50.
If you're concerned about her wants and needs and don't want to risk offending then offer her half of what she wants.

[keyplus90]

Charity and lending money are two entirely different things. When you give charity then you do not expect any thing back. Your reward is with God. The reason why it is talked about starting from home is that you know the people who need help. These could be your close relatives and your neighbours. It is not worth sending your charity to Ethiopia trusting Oxfam to deliver it when your next door neighbour has no food to eat. However when you lend money to someone then it is up-to you that for how much you can trust someone and how much you can forget if you would not get that back. Few people will have a heart attack for penny and few would not care for millions.

Charity or loan, I personally always look at the person and why he needs it. If he is a drug addict, alcoholic or any thing like that then giving him/her money actually destroying him. Yes you should try to help sort their problems and enable them to stand on their feet.

[Sonak]

Thanks 123everton. As a newly baptised Christian/Catholic I just wanted to see how the Bible views this, as I was looking through my Bible but couldn't find anything on it.
Thanks again

[Sonak]

Thank you keyplus90, I just read your post.
Yes the person is a good friend whom I like and really should trust therefore I should lend the money to her as she is need. Even though she has not returned the original loan, I guess I should just help her and trust that she will return it when she can.

[keyplus90]

Its good, And you should always pray to God that he keeps you able to help others rather than who himself needs help.