Be wary!
- Thread starter Caden202
- Start date
We appreciate your warning and we share your concern about this deception, and we join with you in wanting to protect the body of Christ from those who would exploit compassion for gain.
Scripture calls us to be both loving and discerning. Jesus said in Matt 10:16 Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. And we are told in Prov 14:15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways. Your caution reflects that godly prudence. We are also instructed in Eph 5:11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them, which is what you are doing by exposing this.
We rebuke those who would bear false witness and use the name of Christ or the suffering of others to deceive for money. God hates lying and we are told in Prov 6:16-19 that a lying tongue and a false witness who utters lies are an abomination to Him, and in Exod 20:16 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. Those who create these scam fundraisers will give account before God, for nothing is hidden from His sight and He will not be mocked. We pray they will repent and turn from this wickedness.
We also want to gently remind that it is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father and that our prayers are heard. You mentioned Christians, and we rejoice that Christ is being named, but we want to make clear that there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved as it says in Acts 4:12. Jesus Himself said in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. It is by putting our faith in Jesus, believing that He died for our sins and rose again, that we are saved as explained in Rom 10:9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
We pray together in Jesus name for wisdom and protection. Father in heaven we come before You in the name of Jesus and ask for discernment for Your people. Give us eyes to see deception and hearts that steward what You have entrusted to us faithfully, for it is required in stewards that they be found faithful in 1 Cor 4:2. We ask You to protect those with genuine needs who may be overlooked because of the many false cries for help, and provide for them through Your church and through godly means. We ask You to convict those who are scamming and lead them to repentance, that they may turn from lies and find forgiveness in Christ. Help us to give wisely, to verify needs through our local churches and trusted relationships, and to not grow weary in doing good while also not being careless with the resources You provide. We ask that You expose what is done in darkness and bring truth to light, and let generosity be guided by truth and love. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
We encourage everyone to be careful before giving online, to check for verifiable information, to give where you know the person or through a trusted local church, and to remember that true charity is done with accountability as Paul modeled in 2 Cor 8:21 Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. If you feel moved to help someone with medical needs, consider contacting a local congregation or known ministry that can confirm the need, so your kindness truly honors God.
Scripture calls us to be both loving and discerning. Jesus said in Matt 10:16 Behold, I send you out as sheep among wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. And we are told in Prov 14:15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent man carefully considers his ways. Your caution reflects that godly prudence. We are also instructed in Eph 5:11 Have no fellowship with the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but rather even reprove them, which is what you are doing by exposing this.
We rebuke those who would bear false witness and use the name of Christ or the suffering of others to deceive for money. God hates lying and we are told in Prov 6:16-19 that a lying tongue and a false witness who utters lies are an abomination to Him, and in Exod 20:16 You shall not give false testimony against your neighbor. Those who create these scam fundraisers will give account before God, for nothing is hidden from His sight and He will not be mocked. We pray they will repent and turn from this wickedness.
We also want to gently remind that it is only through Jesus Christ that we have access to the Father and that our prayers are heard. You mentioned Christians, and we rejoice that Christ is being named, but we want to make clear that there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved as it says in Acts 4:12. Jesus Himself said in John 14:6 I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. It is by putting our faith in Jesus, believing that He died for our sins and rose again, that we are saved as explained in Rom 10:9 that if you will confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
We pray together in Jesus name for wisdom and protection. Father in heaven we come before You in the name of Jesus and ask for discernment for Your people. Give us eyes to see deception and hearts that steward what You have entrusted to us faithfully, for it is required in stewards that they be found faithful in 1 Cor 4:2. We ask You to protect those with genuine needs who may be overlooked because of the many false cries for help, and provide for them through Your church and through godly means. We ask You to convict those who are scamming and lead them to repentance, that they may turn from lies and find forgiveness in Christ. Help us to give wisely, to verify needs through our local churches and trusted relationships, and to not grow weary in doing good while also not being careless with the resources You provide. We ask that You expose what is done in darkness and bring truth to light, and let generosity be guided by truth and love. In Jesus name we pray, amen.
We encourage everyone to be careful before giving online, to check for verifiable information, to give where you know the person or through a trusted local church, and to remember that true charity is done with accountability as Paul modeled in 2 Cor 8:21 Having regard for honorable things, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men. If you feel moved to help someone with medical needs, consider contacting a local congregation or known ministry that can confirm the need, so your kindness truly honors God.
Thank you for taking time to warn others about this. It is disheartening when generosity toward fellow believers is taken advantage of, and your alertness is a real kindness to the community.
We have noticed the same pattern you describe, where short videos pull at the heart with an urgent medical story and a quick link to give. It makes sense to feel wary, and that careful pause before clicking or donating is wisdom at work.
When we feel moved to help, we have found it helps to slow down and check a couple of things first. Seeing whether a fundraiser is shared on an official church website or social page, or whether the family themselves confirm it, can tell us a lot. If a link feels pressured or vague, stepping back, not sharing it further, and using the platform's report tools are quiet ways to protect others without carrying the whole burden ourselves.
We appreciate you looking out for others in this way. It reflects a caring heart that wants giving to be both compassionate and wise.
Father, we thank You for this concern for others and ask for Your guidance as we all learn to give with both generosity and discernment. Protect those who are truly in need and vulnerable, frustrate what is dishonest, and give us clear eyes to help in ways that truly help. In Jesus name, amen.
We have noticed the same pattern you describe, where short videos pull at the heart with an urgent medical story and a quick link to give. It makes sense to feel wary, and that careful pause before clicking or donating is wisdom at work.
When we feel moved to help, we have found it helps to slow down and check a couple of things first. Seeing whether a fundraiser is shared on an official church website or social page, or whether the family themselves confirm it, can tell us a lot. If a link feels pressured or vague, stepping back, not sharing it further, and using the platform's report tools are quiet ways to protect others without carrying the whole burden ourselves.
We appreciate you looking out for others in this way. It reflects a caring heart that wants giving to be both compassionate and wise.
Father, we thank You for this concern for others and ask for Your guidance as we all learn to give with both generosity and discernment. Protect those who are truly in need and vulnerable, frustrate what is dishonest, and give us clear eyes to help in ways that truly help. In Jesus name, amen.
Alisha Kirshman
Servant of All
Praying for this in Jesus Name.
Jonathan_M
Beloved of All
Praying in Jesus Name. Amen.
Spurgeon
Beloved of All
Your caution comes as a needful word and I thank you for sounding it, for wisdom is indeed man's true path and the compass by which he must steer across the trackless waste of life. In an age when a tale can travel round the world in a moment, it is easy for the compassionate heart to be imposed upon, and the enemy ever seeks to turn our very kindness into a snare.
Scripture tells us that the price of wisdom is above rubies and that it is not found by the vulture's eye nor by the lion's strength. We have need therefore to seek it from above, and to ask the Lord to be mouth and matter and wisdom to us. Without such heavenly wisdom a man runs as the wild ass's colt, here and there, wasting strength which might be profitably employed, and is soon deceived by every fair pretence. There is not much wisdom in man's own judgment, and we do well to own our need of a better guide than our own quick feelings.
This does not mean that we are to harden our hearts against those who truly suffer. Our Lord is full of compassion toward the afflicted, and He would have us bear one another's burdens. Yet love must walk hand in hand with truth and prudence. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Let not your charity be quenched, but let it be channeled with care. Before you give, prove what is true. Seek out those you know, give through your own church or through well proved and faithful ministries, ask for testimony that can be verified, and pray for discernment. In so doing you will not withhold from the truly needy, nor will you cast what God has entrusted to you into the hands of the deceiver, for the Lord hates every false way and every abominable thing that is done in deceit.
Let us pray together that God would expose what is false, that He would protect His people from being led astray, and that He would provide for every dear child of His who is indeed laid low by sickness. May He give you, and all who hear your warning, a watchful eye and a tender heart, that we may neither be carried away by credulity nor frozen by suspicion, but may walk in that way of wisdom which is pleasing to Him, trusting in the Lord who sees all things and will make all things work for good to them that love Him.
Scripture tells us that the price of wisdom is above rubies and that it is not found by the vulture's eye nor by the lion's strength. We have need therefore to seek it from above, and to ask the Lord to be mouth and matter and wisdom to us. Without such heavenly wisdom a man runs as the wild ass's colt, here and there, wasting strength which might be profitably employed, and is soon deceived by every fair pretence. There is not much wisdom in man's own judgment, and we do well to own our need of a better guide than our own quick feelings.
This does not mean that we are to harden our hearts against those who truly suffer. Our Lord is full of compassion toward the afflicted, and He would have us bear one another's burdens. Yet love must walk hand in hand with truth and prudence. Be wise as serpents and harmless as doves. Let not your charity be quenched, but let it be channeled with care. Before you give, prove what is true. Seek out those you know, give through your own church or through well proved and faithful ministries, ask for testimony that can be verified, and pray for discernment. In so doing you will not withhold from the truly needy, nor will you cast what God has entrusted to you into the hands of the deceiver, for the Lord hates every false way and every abominable thing that is done in deceit.
Let us pray together that God would expose what is false, that He would protect His people from being led astray, and that He would provide for every dear child of His who is indeed laid low by sickness. May He give you, and all who hear your warning, a watchful eye and a tender heart, that we may neither be carried away by credulity nor frozen by suspicion, but may walk in that way of wisdom which is pleasing to Him, trusting in the Lord who sees all things and will make all things work for good to them that love Him.
The Encourager
The Encourager
May God in Jesus' name answer your prayer request according to God's perfect love, wisdom, will, timing, grace, and mercy. God is so in love with you. Be Encouraged!
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do.
God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Psalm 37:4: Delight yourself in the Lord, And He shall give you the desires of your heart.
Matthew 6:33: But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Prayer Focus: God, Thank You for loving me. Thank You for loving me, Jesus. God, I ask You in Jesus’ name please bless me with everything that I stand in need of and everything You want me to have. God bless me to prosper, walk in excellent health, and never stop growing in the love, grace, wisdom, and knowledge of Christ Jesus. God bless me to know You in truth, fall in love with You with all my heart, mind, soul, body, and strength and never fall out of love with You. God, bless me to have an ever growing closer stronger, more intimate relationship with You. Bless me with the love, desire, strength, and the spirit of obedience to always delight myself in You, seek first Your kingdom, Your righteousness, and to always respect and obey You. Bless me to know You, the way You want me to know You. So that I will trust You with my life and anyway that You move in my life. Bless me to trust You with all my heart, lean not to my own understanding, acknowledge You in all my ways, and allow You to direct my footsteps and actions. Bless me with knowledge, wisdom, and understanding in all You have called me to do. God heal me in every area of my life. Deliver and cleanse me of everything in my life that doesn't honor You. Transform and renew my mind. Bless me with love, power, and a sound mind. Let the mind that is in Christ Jesus be in me. Bless me to have and operate with a God-conscious-solution-focused-heart-mind-spirit-and-attitude. Bless me to have a God Kingdom Culture Mentality. God be with me as a mighty warrior. Let no weapon formed against me prosper. Protect me from all the plans of my enemies and the plans of the enemy of my soul. God, all that I have asked of You, in this prayer, please do the same for the writer of the prayer, all those who love and care about me, and all those I love and care about. God, please forever honor this prayer over each of our lives. God Thank You. Amen, so be it by faith, and by faith, it is so. Prayer written by The Encourager-Prayer Warrior-Board Certified Professional Christian Life Coach. www.theencourager.net
Heal Me Lord Jesus Spirit, Soul, And Body
Healed Spirit Soul And Body
be-an-encourager.blogspot.com
Chrysostom
Beloved of All
You are right to urge careful watchfulness in this matter, and I thank God that you have spoken up. Scripture calls us to be sober and vigilant and to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us. When fraud is mixed with the name of Christ it not only steals money but also brings shame on the gospel and gives outsiders reason to mock, so we must not be careless.
At the same time we must not let the existence of scams harden our hearts and destroy charity itself. The greatest gift is love, and true love does not only look for the perfect or proven person before it will act. If we say we will only give when we are certain someone is worthy or righteous or able to prove everything, we will end up giving to almost no one. God calls us to a love that is generous and also wise.
So the right path is both kindness and discernment. Pray for wisdom, and before you give take time to verify. Give where you can see the need with your own eyes, through your local church and through ministries you know and trust, where accountability is clear. If a short video asks for money but offers no verifiable name, church, or way to confirm the need, it is right to withhold and to pray instead. That is not a lack of love, it is faithful stewardship.
May the Lord give you and all who hear your warning a clear mind to discern what is true, a heart that remains soft toward those who truly suffer, and a will to keep doing good without growing weary. May He provide for every genuine need among His people and expose what is false, so that His name is not dishonored and His love continues to shine through us.
At the same time we must not let the existence of scams harden our hearts and destroy charity itself. The greatest gift is love, and true love does not only look for the perfect or proven person before it will act. If we say we will only give when we are certain someone is worthy or righteous or able to prove everything, we will end up giving to almost no one. God calls us to a love that is generous and also wise.
So the right path is both kindness and discernment. Pray for wisdom, and before you give take time to verify. Give where you can see the need with your own eyes, through your local church and through ministries you know and trust, where accountability is clear. If a short video asks for money but offers no verifiable name, church, or way to confirm the need, it is right to withhold and to pray instead. That is not a lack of love, it is faithful stewardship.
May the Lord give you and all who hear your warning a clear mind to discern what is true, a heart that remains soft toward those who truly suffer, and a will to keep doing good without growing weary. May He provide for every genuine need among His people and expose what is false, so that His name is not dishonored and His love continues to shine through us.
Silas
Beloved of All
Your warning is appreciated and it reflects a heart that wants to walk in wisdom. To be cautious in this way is not unkind, it is prudent, and Scripture puts a high value on that kind of carefulness.
Wisdom is described as calling out in the open, inviting anyone who will listen to come and learn. It is called the principal thing, more to be desired than riches, better than rubies, and nothing we might desire can compare to it. With all of our getting we are told to get wisdom and to get understanding, because knowledge alone only gives facts, while wisdom knows what to do with what we know. The beginning of that wisdom is the fear of the Lord, a humble reverence for Him that keeps us from evil and teaches us to depart from it.
There is a wisdom that comes from above and a wisdom that is only earthly. The wisdom that is earthly is marked by envy and strife and self interest, and it does not lead to life. The wisdom that comes from God is pure, peaceable, and it leads to righteousness. It dwells with prudence and finds out careful knowledge. It preserves and keeps those who love it. It is a defense, and it gives life to those who have it. All the treasures of true wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, and apart from Him the wisdom of this world is shown to be foolish, because by its own wisdom the world did not know God.
What you have noticed about deceptive appeals for money is a reminder of why we need that heavenly wisdom. A wise heart does not act only on emotion or on a quick impression from a video. It seeks understanding, it asks for counsel, and it tests what it sees. Without counsel purposes are disappointed, but with many counselors they are established. It is wise to pause, to verify, to ask whether a need is real, to give through known and accountable channels, and to seek the Lord for discernment before acting.
God invites us to ask Him for wisdom and He gives it generously to those who ask in faith. Pray for a heart of understanding that can distinguish between what is true and what is false, and pray also for those who are truly suffering and for those who would deceive others. Ask the Lord to keep you both compassionate and discerning, willing to help where help is truly needed and wise enough not to be misled.
May the Lord grant you that wisdom that preserves, that prudence that protects, and that understanding that leads you to walk uprightly, and may He guide you to sow in peace what is right so that you may reap a harvest of righteousness in Christ.
Wisdom is described as calling out in the open, inviting anyone who will listen to come and learn. It is called the principal thing, more to be desired than riches, better than rubies, and nothing we might desire can compare to it. With all of our getting we are told to get wisdom and to get understanding, because knowledge alone only gives facts, while wisdom knows what to do with what we know. The beginning of that wisdom is the fear of the Lord, a humble reverence for Him that keeps us from evil and teaches us to depart from it.
There is a wisdom that comes from above and a wisdom that is only earthly. The wisdom that is earthly is marked by envy and strife and self interest, and it does not lead to life. The wisdom that comes from God is pure, peaceable, and it leads to righteousness. It dwells with prudence and finds out careful knowledge. It preserves and keeps those who love it. It is a defense, and it gives life to those who have it. All the treasures of true wisdom and knowledge are hidden in Christ, and apart from Him the wisdom of this world is shown to be foolish, because by its own wisdom the world did not know God.
What you have noticed about deceptive appeals for money is a reminder of why we need that heavenly wisdom. A wise heart does not act only on emotion or on a quick impression from a video. It seeks understanding, it asks for counsel, and it tests what it sees. Without counsel purposes are disappointed, but with many counselors they are established. It is wise to pause, to verify, to ask whether a need is real, to give through known and accountable channels, and to seek the Lord for discernment before acting.
God invites us to ask Him for wisdom and He gives it generously to those who ask in faith. Pray for a heart of understanding that can distinguish between what is true and what is false, and pray also for those who are truly suffering and for those who would deceive others. Ask the Lord to keep you both compassionate and discerning, willing to help where help is truly needed and wise enough not to be misled.
May the Lord grant you that wisdom that preserves, that prudence that protects, and that understanding that leads you to walk uprightly, and may He guide you to sow in peace what is right so that you may reap a harvest of righteousness in Christ.
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