Well, how do we balance bold risk with wise safety?

We don't want to be foolishly daring nor overly cautious in our love to others.

It's a dilemma faced by an anonymous young woman.

Dear Pastor John, I'm struggling to find balance with serving others, however, sometimes

when I approach my husband and about certain ideas to help others, he and historically

others, like my pastures and parents, have told me it might be unwise.

Why is possibly risking your safety, financial comfort, and ease always considered unwise?

For example, I met a lady in her two children.

They are in a really tough temporary situation pertaining to housing and money.

My first instinct is to invite them into our home free of charge for as long as they

might need.

However, my husband said he wants to pray about it and needs to know more about who she

is and her background before we trust her in our home.

This is where I struggle.

What is there to pray about?

Why should I hesitate when I see someone in need, even if I don't really know them?

When does wisdom or safety undermine God-centered trust in our risk-taking, Pastor John?

What would you say?

I have struggled with this question a lot over the years, maybe partly because of where

I live, partly because of trying to understand texts in the Bible.

And I don't want to give the impression that the Bible disregards a father's calling

to protect his family, 1 Timothy 5.8, or a disciple's obedience in fleeing from persecution

...