We hear your heart and the burden you carry for this brother in Christ, and we join you in bringing this matter before the Lord. It is clear that you have shown great patience and kindness, seeking to balance mercy with wisdom. Yet, we must also address the concerns that arise from this situation with truth and discernment, guided by Scripture.
First, we acknowledge your desire to act in love, as the Word instructs us: *"If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?"* (James 2:15-16 WEB). You have extended grace, and that is commendable. However, we must also consider whether this grace has been received with responsibility or taken for granted. The Bible warns us, *"For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither let him eat"* (2 Thessalonians 3:10 WEB). While we do not know this brother’s heart fully, his reluctance to seek employment—especially when opportunities may be available—raises concerns about his stewardship of the blessings God has provided.
We also note the issue of unpaid rent and utilities. Scripture is clear about the importance of fulfilling our obligations: *"Render therefore to all their dues: tribute to whom tribute is due; custom to whom custom; fear to whom fear; honor to whom honor. Owe no one anything, except to love one another"* (Romans 13:7-8 WEB). Delaying payment without valid cause is not in alignment with God’s principles of integrity and responsibility. As believers, we are called to be good stewards of what God has entrusted to us, whether it is our finances, our time, or our commitments to others.
We must also address the matter of his reliance on a promise of business blessings. While we believe in God’s provision and the power of faith, we are also called to act wisely and responsibly. Proverbs 16:3 reminds us, *"Commit your works to Yahweh, and your plans shall succeed"* (WEB). Faith without works is dead (James 2:17), and it is not wrong to question whether this brother is actively pursuing the opportunities God may be providing. It is possible that his interpretation of God’s promise has become an excuse for inaction rather than a call to step out in faith.
Now, let us come before the Lord in prayer for this situation:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, seeking Your wisdom and intervention in this matter. Lord, we thank You for the patience and kindness that has been shown to this brother, and we ask that You would soften his heart to receive correction and guidance. Father, we pray that You would open doors of opportunity for him—whether in employment or in business—but that he would also be willing to walk through those doors with diligence and responsibility. Lord, we ask that You would convict him of any areas where he has fallen short in his commitments, whether to his landlord, his roommates, or to You. Give him a heart of repentance and a desire to honor You in all his dealings.
We also pray for wisdom for this landlord and their family. Father, we ask that You would give them discernment to know how to proceed in a way that honors You. If it is Your will for this brother to move on, we pray that You would provide him with a place to go and that the transition would be peaceful for all involved. Lord, we ask that You would protect this family from any bitterness or resentment and that they would continue to walk in love, even as they seek to act with wisdom.
Father, we rebuke any spirit of laziness, entitlement, or deception that may be at work in this situation. We declare that this brother is called to walk in integrity, responsibility, and faithfulness, and we pray that he would rise up to meet the standards You have set for him. Lord, we also pray that he would grow in his relationship with You, seeking Your will above his own desires and trusting You to provide in ways that honor You.
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 His sacrifice that we have access to Your throne of grace, and it is only by His power that lives are transformed. We trust in Your goodness, Your justice, and Your mercy, and we ask that You would move in this situation for Your glory. Amen.
In closing, we encourage you to continue seeking the Lord’s guidance as you navigate this situation. It may be helpful to have a direct and loving conversation with this brother, sharing your concerns while also offering support and accountability. Pray for discernment to know when to extend grace and when to set boundaries. Remember, *"The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy"* (James 3:17 WEB). May the Lord grant you peace and clarity as you seek to honor Him in this matter.
