Are Christians Entitled to Hook-Ups?

I recently witnessed a troubling episode where a fellow Christian resorted to somewhat crafty means to get a "freebie" from another Christian. I wish I could say this was the only time I noticed a Christian get something for free from another Christian based on "brotherly" love, but it isn't. As a matter of fact, I believe it is a disturbing and embarrassing misuse of Christ's love when one Christian uses the guise of Christianity to get something for free that they would otherwise have had to pay for.

Abusing biblical teachings of unconditional love, hospitality, and turning the other cheek for selfish and undeserved gain is just wrong. 

Being offered a gift, a discount, or a free stay is one matter. I believe if someone offers you something, even if it is with bad intent, you should accept it gratefully and thank the Lord. Expecting that fellow Christians "ought" to give you things that you want or believe you need is near to extortion. Take the Christian who won't buy a car because they don't "want" a car payment, but gladly accepts gas-free rides from others. Or the Christian who invariably takes 2 or 3 plates from every gathering, but has yet to donate one can of food. How about the Christian who holds up every service or event by being late, then asks for prayers?

Love is not a carte blanche excuse for Christians to take gross and unfair advantage of each other. Rather, it should be used as a means for each of us to serve one another. This means that you don't invite yourself to someone's home for hours or days without asking first and bringing a gift. Sorry, just your presence is not a "blessing." And don't tell them how to run their house while you're there. If you know a Christian who works at a store you like, you don't barge up to them and demand a discount. You don't "borrow" things and never return them. In short, you "do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

If you don't have suitable living quarters, you shouldn't be at other people's homes 24/7, Christian or not. Get your affairs in order. If you find you can't afford many things, perhaps you should inquire of the Lord about an additional income opportunity so that you can bless other people. If you need a car, don't hope and pray that someone gives one to you. Instead, look for an honest way to pay for it yourself.

The world's model is to "borrow and not repay", but the Godly model is to "give and it will be given unto you".

Temporal freebies indicate a cycle of lack and desperation, instead press and believe for the many free and lasting blessings God already has for you.