How to have common sense when someone offers to pay for you?

I have noticed for many times how some people loose their common sense when someone is offering to pay for them and, in a way it seems that they start to impose upon their benefactor’s kindness and common sense. Seeing how others act in this way, it is possible to be entraped by these bad habits. It is good to watch over the common sense. Here are some practical advice on this topic:

1. Come forward to be the first to pay. Let’s say that you were to talk with somebody at a café or at a restaurant. When it comes the time to pay, that person comes forward to pay for both of you. If you are in a situation  that it is good and expected to pay someone who is at that table, if you have the possibility to do it, then come forward to be the first to pay. It will be nice from you and as the Scripture says: “And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” (Acts 20:35)

2. Accept when someone offers to pay and show gratitude. If the person who invited you insists to pay, then accept this, only after you have assured yourself that he really wants to pay for you. Sometimes people say so, to look nice, but then, with their own words they show why they have said this. If the other person comes forward to pay, then accept and show gratitude and appreciation.

3. Look for and use the opportunity to pay the next time. When you go the next time to eat together or you are in a road, or some other occasion, it is good to offer yourself to do this and even beforehand, when you just approach to the place where you will eat, to say that you want to pay for the food. And the Word of God teaches us: “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.” (Galatians 6:10)

4. Don’t impose upon one’s kindness. If a certain person comes forward for many times to serve you and has a better material condition than yours, don’t take as something you ought to receive. I noticed how this attitude is very quickly formed in some people. Don’t let it form in you. Be always thankful, but don’t abuse and don’t forget to come forward to do good, to pay, to contribute with what you can afford. A way of abusing is when you always receive people to pay for you and you don’t offer yourself to pay.

5.If you can not pay for others, come forward to pay for your part at least. We come across different material situations in life and you can’t always offer to pay for others. Be ready to pay at least for you.

In the next days I will come with an article about a character from the Bible that abused other’s wealth and showed lack of common sense in some life situations.?”

Translated by Djugostran Felicia