Hard question: is 'do the most good' math biblically consistent?
- Is it biblically consistent to make decisions by 'doing the most good' — helping others even at the expense of your family?
The hosts take up a hard question Mike sent in earlier: is it biblically consistent to make decisions by maximizing the good, e.g. sheltering a needy person if it harms four household members (one minus four is 'three in the hole')? Dan Hudson argues a person's highest ministry is to family in the home, citing the principle that failing to provide for family makes one worse than an unbeliever, and says help should not hinder the immediate family. A host counters that opening one's life to anyone involves risk, and that the real question is prudence and Spirit-led means rather than utilitarian math: God lives in the means and takes care of the end. Other angles include foster parenting, helping widows and orphans, and the fear of idolizing family rhythm and comfort.
More on Family
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Dear LFTP: the mother-in-law moved in
- My mother-in-law moved in seven months ago and it’s been difficult — how can we sort this out?
The last letter comes from a wife whose mother-in-law moved in seven months ago with no boundaries, rising bills, unpaid prescriptions, and open disrespect.
From No. 604 · Rearview Mirror
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Dear LFTP: the single man and the holiday cliques
- Would it be wrong for the lonely single man to start declining holiday invitations?
The first Dear LFTP letter: a single man, happy with his life and plenty of friends and family, dreads the holidays — at Thanksgiving and Christmas gatherings of 15 to 25 people,…
From No. 603 · Found Out
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Dear LFTP: the grandma, 'Libby,' and the weight comment
- Was I wrong to mention my concern about Libby's weight?
Mike reads the letter: she moved 2,000 miles to be near her daughter's family; granddaughter 'Libby' was diagnosed with a medical condition and put on weight.
From No. 602 · Relationship Counseling
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Dear LFTP: the Mimi letter ('Call Me Hoopi')
- Is it wrong for a grandmother to be upset when her grandson's other grandmother claims the same nickname?
Mike reads the Dear LFTP letter: a grandmother whose two-year-old grandson calls her Mimi — but the other grandmother claimed Mimi for herself, and the daughter-in-law is annoyed and doesn't want 'mom mom' either.