Being duped...

Father, your creation declares your greatness and lovingkindness, encouraging statements of pure truth in our daily walk... Nobody likes to be duped, in fact, being taken advantage of as a Christian is one of the most difficult relational aspects of this life. We contemplate the words of Jesus when he said in Matthew 5:42: "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you." as contrasted with the teaching in 2 Thessalonians 3:10: "For even when we were with you, we would give you this command: If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." I realize there are religious arguments for both positions, but one thing is for certain, dealing with those who have every intention of taking advantage of us wasn't meant to be easy. I pray for wisdom to make the right decisions in my daily walk, and in doing so, to be more Christlike in my interactions, and then to be forgiven through the blood of Jesus when I fail… Thank you, Jesus, for showing us that you are the way, the truth, and the life; THE answer for those committed to seeking the truth in all things!