May charitable requests be refused?

[torch621]

My friend’s family has been experiencing difficulty with another family friend of theirs. They have been offering them money to help them out due to unemployment, but said friends seem to refuse to actually try to get employment, instead relying on the money given to them. They’re literally mooching off of them while refusing to do anything to help themselves, when, from my friend’s statements, they are quite capable of helping themselves.

I know our Lord tells us we must be charitable toward those less fortunate, but is there ever a time, like in this situation, when we can refuse to help someone who clearly will not do anything to help themselves despite being able to?

 

[Michelle_Arnold]

Is there ever a time, like in this situation, when we can refuse to help someone who clearly will not do anything to help themselves despite being able to?

There is no need to “refuse to help” this family; your friend may simply change the manner of help offered. Any further requests for money should be responded to with phone numbers for Catholic Charities or the St. Vincent de Paul Society in the area. If questioned, your friend need merely say, “I wish I could help more, but I’m not able to right now. I’m sure that [insert charitable organization] will be happy to assist you.”