Family And Finance

Those who won’t care for their own relatives, especially those living in the same household, have denied what we believe. Such people are worse than unbelievers. 1 Timothy 5:8

Both sets of our in-laws have been very generous, helping us financially with education costs, down payments for homes, etc. We never expected the help, but we were grateful when it came. Our parents are in good health currently, but we have seen families carry huge financial responsibilities for their parents and extended family.

When it comes to family and finances, the opinions seem varied, like these two verses: “Now I am ready to visit you for the third time, and I will not be a burden to you, because what I want is not your possessions but you. After all, children should not have to save up for their parents, but parents for their children” (2 Corinthians 12:14, NIV). “But those who won’t care for their own relatives, especially those living in the same household, have denied what we believe. Such people are worse than unbelievers” (1 Timothy 5:8).

What exactly is our responsibility when it comes to using our money to care for relatives? One verse has a principle that children shouldn’t have to help parents, a “You’re on your own, Mom and Dad” attitude. The second seems to say the opposite, that we’d better take care of our extended family, or we are not only cheapskates but also “worse than unbelievers.”

When in doubt, do like God recommends: “Speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice” (Proverbs 31:9). He doesn’t allow people to continue in unhealthy patterns, but if they have tried their best and fall short, his long arm of love reaches out.