It’s very hard, but ‘lend, expecting nothing in return’

DEAR CHAPLAIN>> My neighbor and now former friend asked me to lend her $200.00, to pay a bill. She promised to repay the money when she got her pay check and she still hasn’t. Instead, she keeps giving me excuses and avoiding me. I don’t understand why she doesn’t think it’s important to pay me back what she owes. Isn’t that the right thing to do? Signed, Make Good or Make Haste

DEAR MAKE GOOD OR MAKE

HASTE>> First to your credit, you were a true friend and neighbor in the time of need. You were generous and giving. You also trusted your friend. The problem is that you expected her to do exactly as she promised. When people don’t do as we expect, we are frustrated and disappointed. God wants us to freely give to others, including at times, our enemies and those who may have no intention of paying us back. He shows us how to protect our hearts from those who will not make good on their promises. In Luke 6:35, Jesus says, to “lend, expecting nothing in return.” This allows us to freely give from the heart. Yes, the right thing is for your neighbor to pay you back. But if she doesn’t, I encourage you to talk to her, and express how you feel. She just may have a good explanation.

DEAR CHAPLAIN>> Iam 13 years old, and I have a question. I’ve only seen my grandmother a few times and we live in the same small town. I’m not the same religion as her; therefore, she doesn’t talk to me, spend time with me, or do the things that grandmothers are supposed to do. Why would God tell anyone not to be bothered with their own family? Signed, Feeling Rejected DEAR FEELING REJECTED>> God is a loving, compassionate, tender, caring God. He does not reject people, especially children, but rather he draws them to himself. God would not put people in families if he did not want them to be loved and cared for by them. Unfortunately, there are some religions and people who don’t always reflect God’s love and kindness. But nonetheless, we are to love them anyway. To get a better understanding of God’s view of loving relationships in families, I suggest you read the “greatest love chapter” in the Bible (I Corinthians, chap. 13). And everywhere it says “love”, read the words “love for my family.” God’s own words will speak for itself. I encourage you to forgive your grandmother and pray for her. Don’t ever give up hope for a better relationship. Ask the Chaplain is written by Rev. Dayna Spence, an ordained minister, licensed evangelist, and chaplain who’s served as a hospital chaplain and is currently serving as a hospice chaplain Chester County area. Please email “Ask the Chaplain” at 4thechaplain@gmail.com or write to, PO Box 1284, West Chester, PA 19380.