Is it a sin not to give to a beggar?

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In light of the 25th Capter of Matthew, for me, not helping in some way is problematic.
 
One of the best things to give is just treat them like a person. Dont be afraid to talk to them. Be kind and listen.

In my town one is able to get 3 good meals each day. I am very reluctant to give money.

I do help at the shelter / food kitchen. It’s good to help in some way with food and shelter missions but I believe directly giving money is a mistake. I know others will disagree. This is often discussed here, but it’s an important topic. Also, I learned from Fr Levis on EWTN the good idea of handing out gift certificates for McDonald’s. They are generally expecting money, but I think they appreciate it.
 
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It’s not absolute, in the sense that I stated it was my belief, but I don’t impose it on others. Each person can do what seems right to them as a circumstance presents itself. There may be a few exceptions where I might give money, but it would be rare for me to do that.
 
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Rau said:
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JamalChristophr:
I believe directly giving money is a mistake.
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It may not be the best course. It might be a bad idea in some cases. But I don’t see a basis for your your absolute statement.
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It’s very location dependent. In the American northern states, help is there for those who seek it. There are shelters, food pantries and generally a strong social safety network. This works less well in rural areas, but it’s there. With the exception of the Indian rez it’s much harder for someone to truly have nowhere to go. Granted it may be less than ideal, but there is help.

This is far from true in many of the warmer and more temperate states. Not only are they more rural, they are also much more impoverished themselves and have less private and public funds.

One’s view of responsible charity can be highly colored by what area they live in.
 
For some reason the homeless have always held a special place in my heart. I try to give when I can, but I understand this isn’t always reasonable. I have also been in a situation before after being asked for money on the street late one night that didn’t end well, though I won’t go into much detail. Unfortunately, fear has had a stronger impact on me than I ever hoped it would. I think this is the case for many people as well - whether it be a fear of the unknown or a learned behavior. For that reason, I have a feeling it would not often be a serious sin. This is just a guess.
 
Start at Luke 6:29 and read a few verses. I think Jesus told you the answer.
 
In Denver they say not to take your wallet out. Some discretion is highly advisable. Use some amount of CARE. Wonen are in a different situation than men.
 
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JamalChristophr said:
It’s not absolute, in the sense that I stated it was my belief, but I don’t impose it on others. Each person can do what seems right to them as a circumstance presents itself. There may be a few exceptions where I might give money, but it would be rare for me to do that.
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I guess if you meant it’s your view as applicable in the circumstances you encounter, I can’t much disagree. But I read you to be saying something more absolute.
 
@OP

You don’t actually believe the gas ploy do you? There are many “stories” to tell. Some will protest this statement, but many are cons.
 
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The problem is that just handing over money and failing to exercise any diligence at all is known to provide a near occasion of sin. If your brother had become a thief and a con man because he had become an addict, you wouldn’t want people just handing him money to keep killing himself with and no questions asked. You’d hope someone would find out his story and give him only what he needed but not fulfill the destructive wants that had enslaved him and robbed him of his character.

I’m not saying never give to a panhandler, but that there is the possibility of doing harm by doing it. It isn’t a judgment to ask questions or to hold suspicions. It is just exercising prudence.
 
I had the same guy hit me up on consecutive days with totally different gas stories. He didn’t recognize me–he was working a different parking lot than he had been the day before–but I recognized him and his “stranded” vehicle.
 
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