TGD RELATIONSHIP CORNER
Good day ladies. How are you doing? I have a fictional
account of a true life story I'll like us to deliberate on.
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Paul and Mary had been married for a few years. At this
point, Mary is pregnant.
Paul's salary wasn't paid regularly so Mary has to step
in on an as-needed basis. She also feels like Paul is not financially
disciplined. He would make pledges in church that, in Mary's opinion, are above
his reasonably expected income. She feels he's trying to show-off with money he
doesn't have; he claims he's living by faith. Most of the time, he borrows
money from Mary or from friends to redeem these pledges.
Generally, Mary has to shoulder most of the financial
responsibilities in the home because Paul gives a lot in church. Mary gives too
but not as much as Paul. Recently, the pastor told Paul that their total seeds
for the year had qualiied them to attend a church conference outside the
country. Paul seemed excited about the idea but Mary knows that the trip will
not be free so she's skeptical. She feels that they have to watch their
spending with a baby on the way. Also, she doesn't feel like travelling in her
pregnant state.
As expected, they have to pay for their trip, visa
processing, hotel expenses etc. In Mary's opinion, they could have decided to
plan the trip themselves and spent less as it appears that the church staff in
charge are taking advantage of the brethren involved.
Paul cannot afford to pay all the money involved so he
has asked Mary to support him. Meanwhile, Mary is unconvinced and feels like
it's a waste of resources that can be better spent preparing for a baby. Paul
feels Mary is unsupportive.
How would you counsel Mary? Should she stand her ground?
Or should she give in to Paul for peace sake? Are there other options?
Please share your views, experiences and even scriptural
references.
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