I feel like giving stuff away

[rivera01]

I know that any Christian is called to live the evangelical counsels according to their state in life and vocation. I am on the last week of the my preperation for total consecration to Jesus through Mary and recently I have had a strong feeling of giving my things away, I do not know if this is a fruit because of the consecration or not, but I just have this strong feeling within me. Although I live with my brother, I have my own room and things so there wouldnt be anything to cause any disruption with him; I even feel like giving away the bed

So, how much is too much?

 

[Veronica97]

Well, I wouldn’t go so far as to give away your bed! I think this is a good sign that God is working in your heart and you are detaching from the things of this world. However, having things is not inherently evil, so don’t let the devil tempt you too far the other way. I would just say that if anything takes you away from God; that is, anything that is a near occasion of sin (or could be a near occasion for someone else), I would throw those things away. And anything that you don’t use frequently or don’t need, you could give away. But if you really enjoy something (say, your stamp collection or chess game) you don’t have to give those things away. The Lord does want us to have hobbies and enjoyment. Everything within moderation and in the proper perspective.

 

[rivera01]

Yes, material things are not evil in themselves, that I know. While I do not have alot of things, there are things I have that I feel I can detach myself from them.

 

[aicirt]

Good rule is to give away everything you haven’t worn or used in the last two years. Throw out all damaged and soiled things first.

As far as the bed goes, keep it. First, you need it and second, most don’t want someone’s “used” mattress etc.

We called a charitable group to take a six piece living room set. Didn’t want it because a corner on the ottoman had been chewed by the dog. I kept that side hidden but, apparently, this would not do for their shoppers. Then called my friend whose daughter’s sister-in-law could not wait to take it because they had just purchased a home and had nothing in the living room. Within a day, it was gone.

 

[WinterRobyn]

If you have any other impulsive, elated or unusual ideas, do not rule out the possibility of medical intervention for the risk of mania. This can be induced by fasting and intense concentration or prayer, which I don’t know if that was part of your program, but I’ve done it and can understand it causing ethereal feelings. It is certainly not a normal impulse of charity to want to give away your bed. But maybe you are a saint. Not trying to diagnose or give advice, just mentioning this possibility as a precaution. It immediately came to mind from your description and since I don’t know anything else about you, I feel obligated to mention it.

 

[rivera01]

Thank you so much for your concern, I am not being sarcasting. My remark of feeling like giving away my bed was more of a tounge-in-cheek comment, thus the smiley face next to said comment.

I can assure you that I am psychologically sound, and this is not an impulse or anything of the sort. I do not act on the first thing that just pops into my head. This is something that I have thought and prayed about and I feel that this is something that I should do.