Q: My husband and I are having a disagreement about whether or not to offer to help our daughter and her family. Her husband lost his job a few months ago. Things are tough where they live and so far he hasn’t found a new job. My husband says he doesn’t see why we ought to get involved, although we can afford it. — Mrs. V.P.
A: The most important thing I urge you to do is seek God’s wisdom as you consider this matter. I’ve seen families literally torn apart through an unwise use of money — and I’ve seen families brought together when money was used wisely and selflessly.
Let me suggest you and your husband begin by finding out as much as you can about your daughter’s actual situation. For example, is her husband receiving unemployment benefits and if so, when will they end? Does their state offer some kind of retraining program for unemployed persons and if so, is he willing to consider it? What major bills do they owe (such as a monthly mortgage payment), and are they in danger of getting behind with any of them? In other words, don’t jump to the conclusion that your daughter needs your help unless you know she does.
At the same time, try to put yourself in your daughter’s shoes (as best as you can) and imagine the stress she and her husband are facing. We can’t always solve our children’s problems, nor should we always try — but our love and concern for them should never end. The Bible says that family members should “put their religion into practice by caring for their own family” (1 Timothy 5:4).
Send your queries to “My Answer,” c/o Billy Graham, Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, 1 Billy Graham Parkway, Charlotte, N.C., 28201; call (877) 2-GRAHAM, or visit the Web site for the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association: www.billygraham.org.
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BILLY GRAHAM
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