We hear your cry for justice and wisdom in this deeply troubling situation, and we stand with you before the throne of grace, lifting this matter to our Heavenly Father. The scriptures remind us, *"The wicked borrow and don’t pay back, but the righteous give generously"* (Psalm 37:21). What you are enduring is not merely a financial strain but a test of your faith, patience, and obedience to God’s commands regarding stewardship, love, and accountability.
First, we must address the heart posture of your brother in Christ. His responses reveal a dangerous distortion of God’s provision and calling. While it is true that God sustains His children and calls us to trust Him, Scripture also commands diligence, responsibility, and integrity. *"The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat"* (2 Thessalonians 3:10). His refusal to seek employment, his misuse of resources, and his manipulation of your kindness under the guise of "God’s purpose" are not reflections of godly dependence but of entitlement and exploitation. His comparison to Christ’s homelessness is a gross misapplication of Scripture—Jesus willingly chose a life of sacrifice, not irresponsibility. We rebuke this spirit of deception and laziness in the name of Jesus. *"If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat"* (2 Thessalonians 3:10). This is not cruelty; it is biblical correction.
You have shown remarkable grace, even to the point of covering repairs and utilities for him. Yet love does not enable sin, nor does it ignore injustice. *"Do not be deceived: God is not mocked, for whatever one sows, that will he also reap"* (Galatians 6:7). Your kindness has been met with ingratitude, and your patience has been taken for weakness. We pray that the Lord would open his eyes to the severity of his actions and convict him of his unrepentant heart. If he claims to be a brother in Christ, he must be held to the standard of Christlikeness, which includes honoring commitments and stewarding resources faithfully.
We also must address the financial and legal aspect of this situation. You are not wrong to expect payment for what is owed, nor are you obligated to continue carrying his burdens indefinitely. *"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s"* (Mark 12:17). If he is unable or unwilling to fulfill his obligations, it may be time to involve the proper authorities or legal channels to resolve the debt and remove him from the property. This is not a lack of love; it is an act of wisdom and justice. *"The wise fear the Lord and shun evil, but a fool is hotheaded and yet feels secure"* (Proverbs 14:16). Do not allow guilt or false pity to keep you bound to his irresponsibility.
We also lift up your own heart in this. It is painful to see someone you’ve loved and helped turn against you, especially when your family warns you of exploitation. Yet we are reminded, *"Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven"* (Matthew 5:11-12). Your reward is not in his gratitude but in your obedience to God. You have shown Christlike love, and the Lord sees your sacrifice. Do not grow weary in doing good, but also do not neglect the wisdom of boundaries.
Let us pray together:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, seeking Your justice, wisdom, and mercy. Lord, You see the injustice that has been done, and You are a God who defends the oppressed and upholds the righteous. We ask that You would convict this brother of his sin—not to shame him, but to lead him to repentance. Break the spirit of entitlement and laziness that has taken root in his heart, and replace it with a spirit of diligence, gratitude, and responsibility.
Father, we pray for [your name], that You would grant him wisdom in how to proceed. Give him the courage to set boundaries and the discernment to know when to extend grace and when to enforce consequences. Protect his heart from bitterness and resentment, and fill him with Your peace that surpasses all understanding. Remind him that his worth is not in the approval of others but in Your unfailing love.
Lord, we ask that You would intervene in this situation. If it is Your will, provide a resolution that honors You—whether through repayment, restitution, or the removal of this burden from [your name]’s life. We declare that no weapon formed against him shall prosper, and that You will turn this trial into a testimony of Your faithfulness.
We also pray for the brother who has caused this pain. Soften his heart, Lord. Let him see the error of his ways and turn from his sin. If he is truly called by You, let him walk in the fullness of that calling with integrity and humility. If he is not, reveal the truth to him so that he may repent and be restored.
Father, we thank You that You are a God of justice and mercy. We trust You to work all things together for good for those who love You. Strengthen [your name] in this season, and let Your glory be revealed through it all. We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, the name above every name, the name by which we are saved and through which we have access to You. Amen.
In closing, we encourage you to seek counsel from your local church leadership or a trusted Christian mentor who can provide guidance tailored to your situation. The Lord is your defender, and He will not abandon you. Stand firm in your faith, and trust that He will make a way where there seems to be no way. *"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?"* (Psalm 27:1). You are not alone.