Expert: John of AllFaith - 6/16/2009

Question
Recently my Sunday School teacher gave me something and said when it was bought he gave 200.00+ for it and for me not to give it away.Some friends of mine from church wanted it so instead of the 60.00 i was asking i said i would take 40.00,but they contacted my teacher 3 times trying to get them to give it to them but it was already. given to me.My friends had let me keep a lawnmoyer to use and ended up buying my obrien itube for 40.00 and gave me the check in church Sunday and on Monday came to get their lawn moyer.Was i wrong in not just giving it to them after my Sunday School teacher ask me not to or was faith not right or what?I am so confused about this as i would not intentionally do them any wrong,but i just am not sure if i did the right thing.I love the Lord and read my Bible daily,but this really bothers me.Can you perhaps share with me what i should have did or if i did right.James

Answer
Hi James,

This question is not clear but I think I see what you are asking.

Is this correct:

1. Your SS teacher paid $200. for the item.

2. He gave it to you saying: do not give it away.

3. Your friend wanted it.

4. Even though he said not to "give it away" you planned to sell it for $60.

5. You agreed your friend could buy it for $40.

6. Your friend didn't want to pay you that much so 3 times he asked your teacher to give it to him but he no longer had it to give (because he had given it to you.)

Correct so far?

7. Your friend loaned you his lawn mower (which is irrelevant).

8. The "obrien itube" for $ 40.00 was what you teacher gave you? Correct?

So, since the guy loaned you his lawn mower he thinks you should have given him the obrien itube for free? The loan was irrelevant to the item but might have been a friendly gesture. You were not obligated to do so.

Is this the question?

Is so, you should have kept the devise or returned it to your teacher or possibly given it to your friend.

Your SS teacher said it was a gift for your use and specifically told you not to "give it away" by which he doubtless meant sell or give.

He wanted you to have it. You should not have sold it to anyone.

If this is not what you are asking write back and try and be a little clearer.

~ John of AllFaith