About Michael O`Flaherty (Expert=8663) Expertise Did you know that the Bible does talk about the concept of the trinity? Did you know that Jesus did claim to be God, and that unless He washes you, you will not get into heaven? If you want a spirited debate about your beliefs in relation to the Bible, please ask. I will warn you; you might be challenged. Friendly debate only!
Expert: Michael O`Flaherty (Expert=8663) - 7/28/2006
Question If someone owes me money from work performed and has not been able to pay me how should I treat them?
Answer Looks like you never got to read this message, so I am resending it...
Hi Mike!
I own a business and can understand how frustrating that can be. Of course each situation is different, but I would assume the person agreed to pay you a certain amount of money in exchange for work. If that is the case, then the questions are whether it is in writing or verbal, and whether the person engaged you honestly or deceptively.
Regardless, you need to handle this in love. If this is just the case that the person can’t pay but wants to, I would contact the person and decide on something that both of you can agree to. But whatever you agree to, get it in writing. That is a valid contract. There is nothing wrong with holding a person to their word, and changing it later if the situation merits. Sometimes they will thank you in the end for your grace and patience, and especially if you tell them it is because you are believer and have also received the same grace from God.
If the person refuses to pay, then they have engaged you with the intent of never paying. In that case, the person is being dishonest and is unlawful. I see no reason why you can’t pursue that legally, especially because they will likely rip others off too. Again, do it all in love. If you feel you want to avoid court, tell the person you are a born-again Christian and that you forgive them for stealing money from you and your family. Then warn them that the God you serve does not appreciate people stealing from his children and also that you are praying for their soul. Then let it go. We all owe God a great deal of debt which we can never repay, so in some cases, he expects us to turn the other cheek. You can only do so much before you have to turn it over to God. Otherwise, it will rip you up inside.
Ultimately it is your choice to refuse the debt and forgive the invoice. If you feel you are that point, I would check with your accountant – in most cases, you can write off the loss.
I hope this helps. Pray about it, but also be honest with the person in any case. Consider God in any decision you make. “Does what I am about to do bring glory to God, protect my fellow man from a thief, or are my actions harmful to the cause.” God can handle it from there…
