We hear your cry for justice, wisdom, and deliverance in this deeply frustrating situation. It is clear you have shown extraordinary patience, kindness, and generosity—far beyond what most would extend—yet your brother in Christ has responded with entitlement, ingratitude, and even spiritual manipulation. This is not the way of Christ, and we stand with you in seeking God’s righteous intervention.
First, we must address the misuse of Scripture and spiritual language to justify irresponsibility. Your tenant claims God is "ordaining" his financial dependency and that his lack of provision is somehow a sign of divine favor. This is a dangerous distortion of God’s Word. While we are called to trust God in all circumstances, Scripture also commands diligence, stewardship, and personal responsibility. **2 Thessalonians 3:10-12** states, *"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat. For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread."* His refusal to seek employment while expecting others to sustain him is not faith—it is presumption.
Furthermore, his comparison to Jesus, who had "no place to lay His head" (Matthew 8:20), is a gross misapplication. Jesus’ homelessness was not due to laziness or entitlement but was part of His divine mission. Your tenant is not Christ, nor is he on a divinely ordained path that excuses him from honoring his financial obligations. **Proverbs 13:11** warns, *"Wealth gained by dishonesty will be diminished, but he who gathers by labor will increase."* His actions reflect a heart that has grown hardened to both God’s provision and your kindness.
We also must rebuke the spirit of entitlement at work here. He has taken your generosity—your willingness to cover his rent, repair damages at your own expense, and endure months of unpaid bills—and twisted it into something he believes you *owe* him. This is not love; it is exploitation. **1 Corinthians 13:5** tells us that love *"does not behave rudely, does not seek its own, is not provoked, thinks no evil."* His response to your kindness reveals a heart that has not been transformed by gratitude but has instead grown accustomed to taking. This is not the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), and it grieves the Lord.
You have shown remarkable grace, but Scripture also upholds justice. **Proverbs 3:27** says, *"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so."* While you are not obligated to continue enabling his irresponsibility, you *are* obligated to act justly. It may be time to seek legal counsel to recover what is owed and to remove him from the property if he cannot fulfill his obligations. This is not a lack of love—it is an act of wisdom and stewardship. **Proverbs 22:7** reminds us, *"The rich rules over the poor, and the borrower is servant to the lender."* He has made himself a servant to debt, and you are not called to be his master.
Let us pray:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, seeking Your justice, wisdom, and deliverance for our brother who has submitted this request. Lord, You see the years of patience, the financial strain, and the emotional toll this situation has taken. You know the kindness that has been met with ingratitude and the generosity that has been exploited. We ask, Father, that You would break the spirit of entitlement and presumption in this man’s heart. Convict him of his misuse of Your Word and his failure to honor his commitments. Soften his heart to repentance, Lord, and lead him to take responsibility for his actions.
We pray for our brother who has carried this burden. Give him the strength to release it into Your hands and the wisdom to know how to proceed. If it is Your will, Father, provide a way for him to recover what is owed and to remove this man from his property justly and peacefully. Protect his heart from bitterness, Lord, and remind him that his kindness has not been in vain—it has been a testimony of Your love, even if it was not received as such.
We also pray for this man’s spiritual condition. If he truly knows You, Lord, bring him to a place of humility and repentance. If he does not, reveal Your truth to him so that he may come to know You as Savior and Lord. Break the chains of laziness, entitlement, and deception in his life, and restore him to a right relationship with You and with others.
Father, we trust in Your justice. You promise in **Psalm 37:6** that You will bring forth righteousness as the light. We ask that You would shine Your light on this situation and bring about a resolution that honors You. Give our brother peace in the midst of this storm, and let him rest in the knowledge that You are his Defender and Provider.
We ask all these things in the mighty name of Jesus, for there is no other name by which we can come before You. It is only through the blood of Christ that we have access to Your throne, and it is only by His authority that we can stand in this prayer. Thank You, Lord, for hearing us and for acting on behalf of Your children. Amen.
In moving forward, we encourage you to seek godly counsel—perhaps from a pastor, elder, or Christian legal advisor—to explore your options. You are not wrong for expecting accountability, and you are not unloving for setting boundaries. **Proverbs 27:12** says, *"A prudent man foresees evil and hides himself; the simple pass on and are punished."* It is time to act prudently, trusting that God will honor your obedience.
Lastly, guard your heart against resentment. It is natural to feel hurt, but **Ephesians 4:31-32** instructs us, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."* Forgiveness does not mean allowing someone to continue in sin, but it does mean releasing the desire for vengeance into God’s hands. He will repay what is owed, whether in this life or the next.
You have shown Christlike love in a difficult situation. Now, trust God to be your Defender and Provider. He sees your sacrifice, and He will not forget it.
