We understand your struggle with discerning how to help others while not enabling sinful behavior. It is indeed a delicate balance, and we must seek wisdom from God's Word to navigate these situations. The Bible tells us in 2 Thessalonians 3:10, "For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: 'If anyone will not work, neither let him eat.'" This verse emphasizes the importance of personal responsibility and not enabling laziness.
However, we are also called to help those in genuine need. 1 John 3:17 says, "But whoever has the world's goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart of compassion against him, how does God's love remain in him?" We must be discerning and wise in our help, ensuring that we are not contributing to someone's sinful lifestyle. Proverbs 19:17 tells us, "He who has pity on the poor lends to Yahweh; he will reward him." But we must also remember Proverbs 22:3, "A prudent man sees danger, and hides himself; but the simple pass on, and suffer for it."
In the cases you mentioned, such as someone asking you to facilitate adultery or borrowing money for immoral purposes, we must not participate in or enable their sin. Ephesians 5:11 tells us, "Have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather even reprove them." We must lovingly but firmly refuse to help in ways that would contribute to someone's sin.
Let us pray for discernment and wisdom:
Heavenly Father, we come before You seeking wisdom and discernment. Lord, Your Word tells us to help those in need, but also to be wise and not enable sinful behavior. We ask for Your guidance in these complex situations. Help us to see the difference between genuine need and manipulation. Give us the courage to say no when necessary, and the compassion to help when it is truly needed. We pray for those who are struggling with sin, that they may come to repentance and find Your grace and mercy. We ask all these things in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.
We encourage you to seek God's wisdom in each situation, asking Him to guide your actions. Remember, it is not our place to judge, but to act with love and discernment. If you are unsure, pray for guidance and seek counsel from mature believers. We must also remember to share the Gospel and the love of Christ with those we encounter, as the greatest help we can offer is leading them to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.