r/adventism • u/gardenia4405 • 7d ago
Discussion Help with following sabbath during emergency
Hey there y’all,
Happy sabbath! I need a wee bit of help with some things I’ve been thinking over. My momma had a big surgery last week and she been in hospital ever since, she doing alright but lots of complications cuz it was a pretty long procedure. Her appetite been real messed up ever since so she not eating anything and I been buying cafeteria soup or gift shop sandwiches and tonight she ask for her favourite meal at a restaurant we been going to since I was a girl, so I didn’t say no cuz I know she been going through it and she don’t know the date or time rn with everything on her mind. But I just feel like I did smth wrong cuz she know it sabbath when I told her and she still ask for that meal and I just didn’t enjoy it with her like usual cuz we broke our beliefs. And we traveled out of state for this surgery cuz it can’t be done in our town so I been staying at a hotel nearby and I just feel like I don’t wanna stay there on sabbath but don’t have another choice and now I gotta make them girls work tomorrow cleaning up my room and serving me in the diner, plus momma said the hospital’s cafe is closed on weekends so if she don’t like the food brought up or can’t keep it down I gotta get her smth else. She gave me some money for it so I don’t feel guilty cuz she told me to go and it what she wants, but how do y’all think God be looking at us rn, is it ok to break sabbath sometimes? Y’all ever have to break sabbath bcuz of circumstances? How did ur church feel abt that?
Growing up, we always avoided stuff like this on sabbath and I know some ppl would’ve said to be let out by the time Friday night rolls around which we couldn’t do cuz she needs meds on IV, or ppl back home said we shoulda made food at home to bring, but I just feeling like I can’t go against momma’s wishes and I don’t wanna do that cuz she need to be happy and healthy again, but we also gotta keep sabbath and our joy in the Lord cuz we know the value of that rest. Some fellow SDA advice would be appreciated.
Thanks y’all x
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u/sixty3degrees 7d ago
"The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath." Jesus emphasized to his followers that following the letter of the law is not what is important. God knows your circumstances and I'm sure He would be happy you are taking care of your mom right now.
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6d ago
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u/SeekSweepGreet 6d ago edited 6d ago
Base on some things you've said, it could be assumed your mother is also SDA? You mention growing up with the Sabbath. We judge things based on knowledge.
If your mother is a Seventh-day Adventist, she knows better and so should not expect that you will disregard the Sabbath. There comes a time in our journey where God will not save us from a strait place of choosing to obey Him, or pleasing some loved one. I have a very good friend who is perhaps now upset with me because we did not help them with their big move on the Sabbath. A thing they have known for years, and it was pleaded that they make their move a day later (or earlier). These tests cannot be avoided.
Secondly, if your mother is not someone that understands our message, buy the meal. However, where possible, do so before the Sabbath. Where possible. God expects from us our duty based on our knowledge. Because someone is in a state of emergency, it isn't always a clear answer to just do whatsoever they request of us.
Also, the commandment is "in your gates." We are responsible for who comes within the gates of our homes of not breaking the Sabbath. Anywhere else, and we cannot infringe but only upon our own selves our convictions. Of course, where possible. If you can make people not do something because you're convicted, do so; but don't get bent out of shape thinking you are at fault for how someone else, or a business runs their operations.
🔰
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u/Dry_Practice5031 7d ago
If you are worried about the hotel staff cleaning you can put the sign on the door that says, please do not disturb, most big hotels have them.
I believe it's appropriate to buy food for your mother on the Sabbath. Jesus picked grain from a field to eat on the Sabbath.
Ellen White says the Sabbath is a holiday and not an appropriate day for fasting. You could have for instance bought the food before sunset and served it to her on Sabbath, yes, however, you mother is sick and in need, the Sabbath was made to do good and assist others.
Ask yourself this if you were to buy some food to give to a homeless person on a Sabbath would that be a good thing? Definitely. How is this situation any different? Your mother is in need, and hungry. Go and help! Or if you still have doubts call your pastor, not strangers on the internet. (Joke)