How do you handle hypocrites with entitlement issues at Christmas?

Hi Misty, I only just noticed you had asked a question on my comment to do with hell. Since I can't email you I thought I would answer you here. Regarding the rich man and lazarus account in the scriptures, here's some research that I found for you:

Is the account, at Luke 16:19-31, literal or merely an illustration of something else? The Jerusalem Bible, in a footnote, acknowledges that it is a “parable in story form without reference to any historical personage.” If taken literally, it would mean that those enjoying divine favor could all fit at the bosom of one man, Abraham; that the water on one’s fingertip would not be evaporated by the fire of Hades; that a mere drop of water would bring relief to one suffering there. Does that sound reasonable to you? If it were literal, it would conflict with other parts of the Bible. If the Bible were thus contradictory, would a lover of truth use it as a basis for his faith? But the Bible does not contradict itself.

What does the parable mean? The “rich man” represented the Pharisees. (See verse 14.) The beggar Lazarus represented the common Jewish people who were despised by the Pharisees but who repented and became followers of Jesus. (See Luke 18:11; John 7:49; Matthew 21:31, 32.) Their deaths were also symbolic, representing a change in circumstances. Thus, the formerly despised ones came into a position of divine favor, and the formerly seemingly favored ones were rejected by God, while being tormented by the judgment messages delivered by the ones whom they had despised.—Acts 5:33; 7:54

Also another point - Sheol and Hades are the Hebrew and Greek words for Hell. These words mean mankinds grave. The scriptures show that Jesus and Job were both in Hell, meaning the grave. Here's the scriptures and references:

Does the Bible also say that upright people go to hell?

Job 14:13, Dy: “[Job prayed:] Who will grant me this, that thou mayst protect me in hell,* and hide me till thy wrath pass, and appoint me a time when thou wilt remember me?” (God himself said that Job was “a man blameless and upright, fearing God and turning aside from bad.”—Job 1:8.) (*“The grave,” KJ; “the world of the dead,” TEV; “Sheol,” AS, RS, NE, JB, NW.)

Acts 2:25-27, KJ: “David speaketh concerning him [Jesus Christ], . . . Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell,* neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.” (The fact that God did not “leave” Jesus in hell implies that Jesus was in hell, or Hades, at least for a time, does it not?) (*“Hell,” Dy; “death,” NE; “the place of death,” Kx; “the world of the dead,” TEV; “Hades,” AS, RS, JB, NW.)

I hope that helps. You can research this more at the below source. So that you can check out the scriptures in your own Bible.

Grumpy goes both ways. You could rise above it and kill them with kindness. Bake them a small box of Christmas cookies or give a symbolic gift like adoption of a Polar Bear. (World Wildlife Fund - http://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/S... It is a thoughtful gift, and it will go towards helping others this hoilday.

Why would you buy an adult niece that you don't even see anything?

Just don't do it. If your brother says anything, just tell him you need to cut back on your spending. If he doesn't like it, too bad.

But them a passive aggressive gift, like a goldfish or a fruitcake.

You do not owe her any gift.Gifting is because you want too give something.Its ok not to give to everyone you know.She is grown now.