It's not me, it's a friend of mine. She gambles when she goes there. She has struggled with it for years but still goes. I try to be understanding because I'm not perfect either but I feel like if I don't say something I'm condoning it. Should I say something or leave it alone? We are best friends and she comes to my bible study and goes to my church. It's not like we're distant friends. Help.
2006-12-06 04:44:59 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
That verse about casting the first stone is very much misused. Read Matthew 18. It talks about our duty to confront our brothers and sisters in Christ in order to help them live a holy life. You mention that your friend struggles with gambling. If you are her friend, it is ok for you to reach out to help her. It's a good thing. You don't have to be perfect , you just have to care enough to offer your friend help.
I personally don't have a solid biblical stand on gambling. My opinion is that if you enjoy playing the games I don't know why it's any different than throwing money away on any other kind of entertainment. But if your purpose is "I hope I win the big one this time." - that is not a good reason. If a person is addicted and spending money they don't have, that is wrong.
2006-12-06 05:03:15 · answer #1 · answered by BaseballGrrl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Generally, I would say yes, but if she has a gambling addiction, no. A little gambling every now and then won't hurt, but if you start losing money that you need to pay bills, etc., then you have a problem. There are support groups like Gamblers Anonymous. If she is your friend and she has a problem, do something. That is what friends are for. She may get mad, but at least you will know that you have tried to save your friend. That's all you can do. She is the one that has to decide to quit. You can not make her do anything.
I do not believe in any form of legalized gambling in my state. I've seen too many people lose too much money and get into bankruptcies because of chasing the next big win. The one time that we really spent some money at a casino, I loved the slot machines. So that would probably be my weakness if we had them here. My brain tells me the whole business is stupid. There is only one game in the whole casino system that the guest has fair odds of wining. You'll have to do research to find out which one. All the rest, the odds highly favor the house. So be wise and save your money.
2006-12-06 05:04:09 · answer #2 · answered by Ariel 128 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No, it's not OK with God. The Bible says several times that gambling is a squandering of God's financial blessings to you. In fact, it has been said that the Lottery is a "tax on the poor" or a "tax on people who can't do math". People waste thousands of dollars on gambling to take a very remote chance of becoming a millionaire, when if they simply put that money into a mutual fund with a 12% return, they would be a guaranteed millionaire by the time they retire! 100% of the time! People aren't very smart sometimes.
2006-12-06 04:58:43 · answer #3 · answered by FUNdie 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The Bible tells us EVERYTHING in moderation.
If gambling has become her idol...it's an issue. The living God tells us to to have any gods before Him. He is very clear on this issue.
She will need to seek the Lord to help rid herself of this stronghold.
As a friend you can and might need to say something. However, if she asked you to back off...continue to pray for her. That's the best thing you can do (pray.)
2006-12-06 04:47:36 · answer #4 · answered by Salvation is a gift, Eph 2:8-9 6 · 4⤊ 1⤋
Gambling is a faith builder, especially if you are betting your last $. Most compulsive gamblers are superstitious and pray a lot when they gamble. However, you have a much better chance of a return in a casino, than you do giving to all these evangelists.
2006-12-06 04:53:35 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
If you need to say something say it. I don't think God really cares that much about insignificant gambling. An addiction, I think he cares about, because it hurts the one addicted. God loves us, he only wants the best for us.
2006-12-06 04:48:23 · answer #6 · answered by The Pope 5 · 4⤊ 0⤋
Take her to church and let her speak with a priest. He will tell her how best to get rid of her gambling addiction and pray for her.
2006-12-06 04:51:26 · answer #7 · answered by m_thurson 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes, everything in moderation. A little child abuse, a little murder, a little beating your wife, it's all good.
Seriously, what kind of answer is that?
Anyway, the only thing that matters is what your friend thinks about it. She seems to have a problem with it, so it has become toxic in her life. You need to help her end it or change it into mere fun.
2006-12-06 04:53:04 · answer #8 · answered by Phoenix, Wise Guru 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The bible doesn't say anything about gambling. But it does say plenty about judging others and minding others business for them. He is without sin can cast the first stone. If she does it to excess or squanders money that is not hers, then that's a problem. One you should be tackling with counseling, not the hypocritical analysis of the state of her soul.
2006-12-06 04:52:00 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 3⤋
I don't think God sends people to hell for gambling, smoking, etc.
I think people send themself to the abyss because they are unable or unwilling to forgiving themselves for their mistakes.
If a person enjoys gambling; but did not have a gambling problem (she knows when to stop amd has the willpower to stop;) I think it is a non issue.
2006-12-06 04:50:54 · answer #10 · answered by Rev. Two Bears 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋