I was at the busiest terminal bus stations in the city and trying to catch a bus home. So I disembarked from my bus to go and catch another one when I caught sight of this man.
He was old and handicapped (withered foot) and was walking with a cane. I felt really pity for this man and he looked like he spent most of his time there . And as I was moving my bundles of luggage (which where quite heavy if I must add) I caught his eye (not literally) and he stretched out his hand and asked me for some money.
I couldn't resist but as I reached in my purse, I heard a voice telling me not to give him money. It was God but I doubted thinking 'giving is good and we can do it anytime towards anybody'. The conviction not to give that man was strong but I still gave him a little something I found in my purse.
I went on by a nearby stall which was just a few steps away to get some chewing gum, when I saw the same old man using the same money I gave him to buy cigarettes which he smoked away. in other words, I helped him smoke. The stall owner who had seen the whole thing advised me saying 'you must not give that man any money because he always buys cigarettes'.
I wish I had listened to God and instead bought that man some food instead of direct money. God tried to tell me but I vindicated my actions so fast.
Moral of the story is that whatever you do, do it with spiritual discernment. it will save you a lot of regret.
He was old and handicapped (withered foot) and was walking with a cane. I felt really pity for this man and he looked like he spent most of his time there . And as I was moving my bundles of luggage (which where quite heavy if I must add) I caught his eye (not literally) and he stretched out his hand and asked me for some money.
I couldn't resist but as I reached in my purse, I heard a voice telling me not to give him money. It was God but I doubted thinking 'giving is good and we can do it anytime towards anybody'. The conviction not to give that man was strong but I still gave him a little something I found in my purse.
I went on by a nearby stall which was just a few steps away to get some chewing gum, when I saw the same old man using the same money I gave him to buy cigarettes which he smoked away. in other words, I helped him smoke. The stall owner who had seen the whole thing advised me saying 'you must not give that man any money because he always buys cigarettes'.
I wish I had listened to God and instead bought that man some food instead of direct money. God tried to tell me but I vindicated my actions so fast.
Moral of the story is that whatever you do, do it with spiritual discernment. it will save you a lot of regret.