Suggestions please...

[incognito2]

I'm going to gift some money to a neighbor anonymously, but would like to include a bible passage. I'd very much appreciate some fitting suggestions.

Thanks.

[Sir Alec]

Philippians 4 is very comforting in times of need. I had it read at my Mum's funeral.

[birdie1971]

Mibs -

Let's be honest here – some people have really leapt down the OP's throat on this one. We know almost nothing about the circumstances of either the OP or the potential recipient of her largess.

As you know, I'm as atheist as the day is long but for me this isn't a question about faith or which biblical passage fits this particular situation. This is about one person wanting to help another person anonymously. It's as simple as that in my eyes. The religious aspect to this matter is irrelevant.

I also think that when known atheists on AB round on an unsuspecting and innocent poster who is after some honest advice on a tricky situation, we do ourselves no favours at all by tearing metaphorical strips off her (or him).

[mibn2cweus]

Precisely the point some of us were trying to make birdie. What might be considered a gift by the giver might not be received as graciously as the giver might have hoped, how ever 'good' their intention. In the case of this thread, the advice given can be rejected with or without explanation but when someone slips a perceived gift through your mail slot, the recipient is left without recourse, even if it is simply a desire to thank whoever bestowed their generosity upon them.

Perhaps this is a case where the OP's knowledge of the situation assures them that the gift will be received with gratitude. But there's no way to draw such a conclusion based on the information given and I see no reason why those concerned should be prohibited from issuing fair warning in that regard. Hopefully the OP is capable of sifting the wheat from the chaff and will use the appropriate information in an equally appropriate manner. Should someone choose to follow any advice I might offer it should only be used based on their own understanding and appreciation of it and at their own risk. I would never force my own opinions down someone else's throat but will as time allows always consider another's opinion and perhaps even thank them for their efforts even if it so happens that in certain cases I strongly disagree.

Incognito2, Welcome to the pitfalls of an open forum and best of luck . . . what ever course of action you choose to take.

[naomi24]

Birdie, I don’t think anyone should be surprised at any question here evolving into further discussion, and if by ‘known atheists’ you’re referring to me, I have not leapt down his throat and neither have I torn ‘metaphorical strips off him’. I’ve simply pointed out that his gesture, however generous, may not be received in the spirit it is intended; I’ve explained my reasons, and since he says he doesn’t want to upset the recipient, I’ve suggested he give it further thought. I have, however, taken issue with Ann86 who said //You just have to ignore the comments which can be a bit harsh and take heart from those who do agree with your comments. The majority of AB users are nice kind, caring people.// implying that those who do not fully support the plan are the opposite.

As for atheists doing themselves no favours, sycophancy, even though it may be deemed more acceptable to those who hold opposing opinions, is a dubious quality, and not one that I would ever wish to adopt.

[jomifl]

Incognito, My previous post was based on experience. Whilst your wish to make a gift is based on the best of motives there will be unintended consequences, not least of which is an inevitable change in your relationship with your neighbour. Have you considered how you will feel if the money is not used as you expect it to be?

[naomi24]

Nox, //Turn it into a slanging match //

I've seen no slanging match. Yours is the only angry post here.

[naomi24]

Here you go again. More insults. I can't see any religious debate here - but carry on Nox. Your reputation goes before you.

[missnemesis]

It's sickening that someone trying to do something nice gets the broadside of everyone's self inflated opinions about religion generally and their motives for being charitable. This was not a debate- it should never have evolved into one, it's disrespectful to the OP and totally unnecessary.

Wholeheartedly agree with you there NOX. Some people really should get off their soapbox once in a while and stick to the post at hand.

The poster asked for fitting suggestions re a suitable bible passage. If you are unable to suggest such a passage then surely NOT ANSWERING would have been the better course of action.

[Old_Geezer]

"We know almost nothing about the circumstances of either the OP or the potential recipient of her largess."

The original post was clarified with the further one stating, "It's a church friend who I believe is finding life hard at the moment from a financial point of view." At which point any thoughts of it being a bit off to force religion on someone along with a gift, became irrelevant. It seems both giver and receiver are 'of a like mind' and the gift is a generous act to someone who would probably appreciate it.

No I've not read this whole thread, just jumped in as usual, so apologies if I've misunderstood any controversy.

[NOX]

Above post in reply to Naomi, no-one else, but quite- the whole dissection of the OP is totally unnecessary.

[Mick-Talbot]

Is the OP a church goer that does not read the bibble?
Surely the best person to come up with a passage from the bibble is the OP.
Once again a thread from a newbie decends into bickering........Job done !

[missnemesis]

I don't think you need to apologise at all O_G, you seem to have it spot on, even without reading the whole thread ;-)

[naomi24]

Nox, I addressed your original post because you inaccurately stated that this thread had been turned into a slanging match. You have now managed to achieve that with your consistent nastiness. Your second post was addressed directly to me. If, in your opinion, everything isn’t about me – and I’ve never said it is or thought it was - I fail to understand your claimed reluctance to post in R&S because of me - but don’t bother to explain. It matters not. R&S survives without you.

missnemesis, //If you are unable to suggest such a passage then surely NOT ANSWERING would have been the better course of action. //

You’re doing a good job of answering the question.

OG, clearly my mistake for being thoughtful enough to consider the potential distress or embarrassment that may have been caused to the proposed recipient.

[Old_Geezer]

Tsk, empathising with others. You know that'll get you into hot water.

[naomi24]

Yes, indeed. Silly me.

[birdie1971]

Naomi - “.... and if by ‘known atheists’ you’re referring to me...”

I wasn't actually referring to any one person in particular.

[birdie1971]

Naomi - “... As for atheists doing themselves no favours, sycophancy, even though it may be deemed more acceptable to those who hold opposing opinions, is a dubious quality, and not one that I would ever wish to adopt...”

So I'm a sycophant ('… a servile self-seeker who attempts to win favour by flattery..') am I?

Shall I explain just how out of order your above comment is or shall I wait for you to do the decent thing and withdraw it?