Morality question

[Bernadette]

My uncle has offered to buy me a new sewing machine. I was going to pick one that I wanted and then sell the one that I currently have. My aunt got upset when I mentioned this to her and said that it would be wrong. Would it?

[drummerboy]

Of course not.  It's your property, you can do as you wish with it.  Perhaps your aunt thinks you're taking advantage of your uncle by selling the old one, and earning money, when he spent money to buy you a new one, so you shouldn't make money off the deal? Some people can be very particular about that.

[Bernadette]

Of course not.  It's your property, you can do as you wish with it.  Perhaps your aunt thinks you're taking advantage of your uncle by selling the old one, and earning money, when he spent money to buy you a new one, so you shouldn't make money off the deal? Some people can be very particular about that.

Yes, I think that's it. I told her it's no different than getting a new kindle and selling the old one, and she said it's different because my uncle would be buying me the new sewing machine, I wouldn't be buying it myself.

[The Curt Jester]

The question is, what would you want with the old one if you have a new one?  Backup? In case you don't like the new one? Or to make it appear that you're not taking advantage of someone? Would she want you to throw it out instead of selling it to someone who could make good use of it?

It's bad enough that someone would give a gift with strings attached, but worse if it involves what you do with someone that you already had that they had nothing to do with.  It's worse when it's not even the person who is giving the gift who is trying to make stipulations.

[Bernadette]

The question is, what would you want with the old one if you have a new one?  Backup? In case you don't like the new one? Or to make it appear that you're not taking advantage of someone? Would she want you to throw it out instead of selling it to someone who could make good use of it?

She wants me to tell him "no thank you I don't want a sewing machine."

[diaduit]

Is he your Aunts husband?

[Bernadette]

Is he your Aunts husband?

No. Different uncle.

[Mushroom]

Is he your Aunts husband?

No. Different uncle.

Are they siblings?

[Bernadette]

Is he your Aunts husband?

No. Different uncle.

Are they siblings?

No. They're lifelong friends since the age of 9.

[Greg]

Tell your Aunt that you uncle's gift is ordained by the will of God and very clearly spelled out in St. Paul's letter to the Galatians Chapter 6.

'For as ye sew, so shall ye reap'.

[benedicite]

Of course not.  It's your property, you can do as you wish with it.  Perhaps your aunt thinks you're taking advantage of your uncle by selling the old one, and earning money, when he spent money to buy you a new one, so you shouldn't make money off the deal? Some people can be very particular about that.

Yes, I think that's it. I told her it's no different than getting a new kindle and selling the old one, and she said it's different because my uncle would be buying me the new sewing machine, I wouldn't be buying it myself.

Maybe it would be a good idea to not confide in that aunt.

[Baylee]

I don't think this is "wrong" or sinful, but maybe consider donating your old sewing machine if it's in good condition.  This way someone else benefits in a similar way that you benefit. 

On the other hand, if you are in a situation where you need the extra money right now, then definitely sell it.  Has your uncle said anything about your old machine?

[Bernadette]

On the other hand, if you are in a situation where you need the extra money right now, then definitely sell it.  Has your uncle said anything about your old machine?

No, he hasn't said anything.

[Kaesekopf]

The uncle knows you have an existing sewing machine?

I don't see the problem if he knows that.  If you feel bad, just tell him, "thanks, I was planning on getting a new one, and selling the old one to buy <new sewing equipment>" or something? 

[diaduit]

I don't mean to be rude, just curious but is it a cultural thing that your Aunt can have a say in matters in your life, you are an adult. I understand if it is but this just wouldn't really occur in my culture. 
Your Uncle is buying you a new sewing machine, he obviously knows you like sewing and its something you do so therefore I assume he knows you have one already.  I would sell the machine and use the money to buy material and make him something for himself as a return gift.