Giving

[Adam14]

I know that it’s good to help the less fortunate, and that it’s encouraged. And I know that we’re to love our neighbor, etc. And I do not doubt any of it.

I used to live in downtown Atlanta. Getting approached by a homeless person asking for money was almost a daily occurrence. I really do feel terrible for these people, especially when it’s cold/raining/etc knowing they don’t have a home to go to. I’d give them money sometimes but then I began wondering what they were really doing with the money they collect. Most of the time, they say they need money for food and that they’re hungry. So I started offering to buy them a sandwich and coke or water. There were many takers, but some wanted money so they could go get something later. Of course this only fueled my suspicion.

I want to help people but at the same time I don’t want to support a drug/alcohol habit either (not to mention getting stabbed/shot). When I don’t help them, I feel bad and wonder if I offended God by not helping the poor. I say a prayer for them when I see them, but there were times that I’d totally ignore the guy with the cardboard sign standing by my car at a stoplight. And I’ll be honest, I’ve actually been rude to the ones who were VERY persistent after I politely told them no, especially if I was with my wife. I always wondered how they were so friendly when they approached, but not so nice after they see that no money will come from the conversation. Anyway… am I wrong to not help EVERY single time there’s someone begging for money?

 

[Trishie]

Adam, I think you’re wise to give food, to do something practical like that.
You sound like a very generous person…and of course some will abuse your gift.

Scripture tells us:

“Is there a poor brother among you, one of your brothers, in any town of yours? Do not harden your heart or close your hand against that poor brother of yours, but be open-handed with him.” [Deuteronomy 15:7-8]

But the bible also leaves degree and kind to your discretion:

“Each one should give what he has decided in his own mind, not grudgingly or because he is made to, ‘for God loves a cheerful giver.’” [Proverbs 28:2]

Warm regards, Trishie

 

[puzzleannie]

I know that it’s good to help the less fortunate, and that it’s encouraged. And I know that we’re to love our neighbor, etc. And I do not doubt any of it.

I used to live in downtown Atlanta. Getting approached by a homeless person asking for Anyway… am I wrong to not help EVERY single time there’s someone begging for money?

in all our giving we should be governed by the cardinal virtue of prudence, and it is perfectly moral and right to give in a way that insures your gift will have maximum benefit. If you have reason to believe an outright handout of cash or commodities will not be used to the person’s benefit, you are free to give–cash, time, talent or direct service–to an organization that materially assists the population you care about.

 

[Atemi]

I want to help people but at the same time I don’t want to support a drug/alcohol habit either (not to mention getting stabbed/shot).

You do not know how right you are here.

I am no longer Roman Catholic, but I am in the self protection field.

I would suggest you make it a general rule to never give to panhandlers.

Give abundant charity elsewhere, and in this way your conscience is clear. Learn where the nearest soup kitchens are and their hours. When approached, direct panhandlers to those locations. I would never tell anyone to ever reach into their wallet or purse to remove cash for anyone on the street. This says that you not only have cash, but that you also are distracted. Many a robbery, assault or murder began just this way.

And if you are out with your wife, you are responsible for her safety, so I would double that counsel in those cases.

Of course, you must temper everything I say above with the guidance of the Holy Spirit in individual cases. Just don’t temper anything I say above with any guilty conscience.

God bless.

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