1 of 2 Ephesians 5 - Impurity and Greed

Behind Mansion Walls | A Toxic Inheritance | Greed

On Greed - When Relatives Ask for Too Much

How much money does one really need when he or she has almost everything?  Is it necessary to ask for things just because someone is willing to give them to you?  For some of us, we wouldn't dare ask a relative who had little money and other resources to buy or give us some things.  Yet, there are those relatives who are bold enough to do just that!  They don't mind stating what they want and if select family members don't do for them, they will not hesitate to bad mouth them.


When one attends a holiday celebration, most likely he or she isn't paying much attention to the greedy people in the family until they do or say something that upsets others.  It can be a turn off to witness individuals pack food on large plates, ask for third and fourth helpings, talk incessantly about getting more of something, and joke about taking all of what sits before others.  These people who just love to take more than they give, are typically ignored by other adults or scolded by patriarchs and matriarchs while children observe.


What some greedy people don't realize is that their behavior is passed down to the naïve who watch them fight, curse, swindle, and do other things to get more of something.  Then young observers grow up and do the same things--acting selfishly while expecting others to meet their demands.  These greedy men and women, who just can't get enough of something, are a disservice to others.  Negative behaviors like greed must be exposed if one hopes to stop certain habits. 


1.  Tell the person who is acting greedy to stop.  (If you know you are greedy, think about what you are saying and doing that is hurting others and halt the urge to want to take more than your fair share.) 
2.  Explain to the greedy person why the behavior shouldn't continue and give examples.
3.  Advise the individual of the consequences if he or she should refuse correction.
4.  Don't invite, share, or encourage greed of any kind.
5.  Avoid assisting people who already have more than enough.  Politely say something like, "I know you might like XYZ; however, there are still others who need this...you might want to look into...or buy the item yourself...I hope you understand."  Then walk away.  Don't argue with a person who obviously has a problem with greed.
6.  When greedy people make a small effort to help someone, even though what they did was okay, don't brag about their deeds.  They will falsely assume that their unsatisfactory deeds were great even though they weren't anything worth mentioning.
7.  If your greedy relative should insist on asking you or someone else to do or give them something, don't give in, keep refusing them.


No one should have to put up with anyone who refuses to see how their negative behavior impacts others.  Stand your ground and remind the greedy person that others might want whatever the item(s) might be and if there is something left over than you are willing to part with it/them.


Nicholl McGuire also maintains a blog for Christians entitled, Face Your Foe.