Perhaps it goes without saying, but we ALL practice "limited benevolence", be it as a congregation or as individuals. We are not able to help with every request and must at time say no.

Here are some eamples of the requests we have gotten as a congregation:
"I need a new Ford F-350 so i can stay in business hauling cattle."
"I need a heart transplant at the cost of 500,000 dollars"
"I am three months behind on my rent. I need 4,000 dollars today."

Here are some requests I have gotten as an individual
"Could you but this car for me, it costs 2,000 dollars."
"I need my utility Bill paid by 5 PM today. I owe 1,800 dollars."
"I want my son to come to America and live with you."

There are times when we will have to say no because we are not able to meet the need that has been requested. It does not mean that the need is not there or that it was not a 'real" need. It just means that there are times when we are not able to help with the need at hand. It's hard a times to admit that we can't help, but we have to be honest with the person and not 'string them along."

Just a few thoughts..Kindly,
Don

__________________
Don Gelles,
Preacher, Church of Christ in Hyde Park
Austin, Texas
www.hydeparkcoc.org