Debts and Limits on Generosity

I know how you feel. My husband and I are struggling as well. We are not always able to live from paycheck to paycheck and things always seem to get worse. The only charity I donate to is toys for tots. I have been doing this ever since I was little and no matter how hard money is for me I always make sure to buy a toy. I make a little money online, but I cannot find an outside job. The economy is bad and with my husband and I only having one car it is worse. He is the only one on the car insurance and therefore I am unable to drive. We live in the country and there is no transportation. We pay our bills and whatever is left over goes towards food. There are days when my husband and I only eat one meal per day.

no, although in the Bible 'they gave everythin they had' (its in the new Testament talking about people trying to further the gospel). i think we should not go overboard by buying designer stuff, but you do have to sustain yourself. we all have to eat and have bills to pay.

Well dear, lack of money is almost always the reason why people can't give to charities or help those around him who are in dire need. But you know if only we would learn that it is in giving that we receive then perhaps we can also experience the outpouring of blessings from God. Actually when you don't have much and even lacking but you still share to people in need, that shows your love for your others and that is an act of obedience to God's command. When giving is done out of love for the Lord and for men then blessings will be the return. You will see how God will work in your life then. Whatever you have given, he will give it back to you and sometimes it is even double or triple the amount you have actually shared.

I think you're not being selfish. You've been helping out people for some years now. It's not selfish to think of yourself right now. After all, you have to prepare for retirement even if you're still young. There are people who help out even when they no longer have any and I admire them. But in these times, it's also wise to sometimes limit ourselves on generosity because our future is at stake. As we know, the retirement age here in the Philippines is 59 so the clock is literally ticking. I wish though we didn't have a specified retirement age unlike in other countries. Anywho, it's really nice to help others but it's all right to think of ourselves too.

I am suffering with the same situation with you. The bad thing with it that three of my best friends have done that on me on the same time. I am on my worst time in my life and I am fearing that I could not give a good education to my children. I am just lucky that my husband loves me too much that he instead of being angry with me because I've done that without his consent, he was helping me and supporting me too emotionally because he knows that it hurts me so much. As much as I would like to reach out to others, not to the extend of the needy people but even only to my mother and my sister's family, I could not do that. All my earnings are going out for paying debts and nothing was left on my hands. I am praying that these three friends would have a good life and will find a good fortune so that they could help me payout their debts. I am also hoping that my online earnings will be sufficient enough to pay for the family's expenses.

Just remember that you have plenty to give and it doesn't necessarily have to be money. If you're feeling like you want to give more but don't have the cash you could always do an hour or two of volunteer work somewhere. There are plenty of organizations out there that could use a helping hand from time to time. :)

no, i don't think your being selfish. you have the heart right now to give. the good thing about your situation is when you have the money your will be understanding enough to give to less fortunate. i say have and not if is because i want to keep it positive for you. i don't want you to lose hope. on the other hand, others who have alot to give are actually being more generous then ever before.

Hi there Graceerwenx! I totally get what you're saying. I remember, when I was younger, I had plans that at particular stages and age in my life, I would be able to achieve something and eventually give back something to charity. I thought I had it all figured out and I really love to join some groups that cater to charities and such activities but such things would mean resources such as money and time. I do have a permanent job as well that doesn't really pay well and most of my salary goes to debts and other necessities at home and after a week or so, I just feel that I'm almost always running out of money even before the next pay day comes. It's frustrating when you have so much you want to do with your life and give back to those who have helped you along the way and you just can't. Maybe in time, I will be able to do something about it and doing extra online jobs is just one step for me to have some savings in my account by the end of the year. It's a start. I think we need to set little goals we can achieve with little sacrifices and who knows? Maybe we can just be who we want to be and give as much as we want to.

Hi grace You are certainly passing through a bad phase in your life, i feel so bad too if i don't cash in hand, i left my job as lecturer long back, so no salary, but hubby and sons give me around 10000 per month, with liberty to spend in any way i like, i donate some to temples, old age home etc. please don't strain yourself, this phase will pass out soon.. Thank you so much for sharing Happy posting, cheers. Namastey. Kalyani