This one has troubled me for along time. We all have seen them, people stading on corners with signs asking for help, money,food. Scripturelly I am torn. We are told to help those in need but also not to through your pearls before swine. The reason I say swine is because I wont explain why but I know why many of these people are out there. Most are serious drug abusers and many more serious moral issues. I am still drawn to help despite there historys as I believe Jesus would have given to them. But I still struggle with this. What scripture can you share or what are your feelings on this. I dont think there is a wrong answer , that we must trust in Jesus on this, just woulld love to know how you feel. God bless, pickles
beggers
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In hindsight, I would call it charity (1 Corinthians 13):
I once watched people step over a homeless man as I awaited my morning rendezvous for work. I noticed that nobody had noticed him & decided to add a dollar for every person that passed & ignored him. I started counting when I began to think the very same topic of this thread. 1 Corinthians 13 (among many other scriptures), tells me that if I'm in a position to help a person in need, I shouldn't pass it up! I only had fourty dollars on me at the time, so I just gave him twenty. He shared with me his journy, trials, & errors... then offered me his umbrella. It made me think of giving him my other twenty, but money was tight (still is). Besides, I noticed the clouds getting darker & thought he might need it. Was I wrong to not accept his charity offering??? The very offer was priceless to me! Could he have been an angel (Hebrews 13:2)?
I once watched people step over a homeless man as I awaited my morning rendezvous for work. I noticed that nobody had noticed him & decided to add a dollar for every person that passed & ignored him. I started counting when I began to think the very same topic of this thread. 1 Corinthians 13 (among many other scriptures), tells me that if I'm in a position to help a person in need, I shouldn't pass it up! I only had fourty dollars on me at the time, so I just gave him twenty. He shared with me his journy, trials, & errors... then offered me his umbrella. It made me think of giving him my other twenty, but money was tight (still is). Besides, I noticed the clouds getting darker & thought he might need it. Was I wrong to not accept his charity offering??? The very offer was priceless to me! Could he have been an angel (Hebrews 13:2)?
A
Matthew 25:31-46 teaches that whatever you do to the brothers of Christ you also do to Him. If you trust in God don't judge what you see standing in front of you. Picture that person as Jesus standing in front of you and give what your heart leads you to do.
From a personal testimony. I give a little something to everyone that asks, sometimes I just give even though they don't ask. God has always rewarded me afterward, always kept my bank balance above the ground and always told me thank you, because I do not judge the persons need. I will always follow what God tells me is the good and right thing to do - that is to not judge, but to love each person just as they are.
From a personal testimony. I give a little something to everyone that asks, sometimes I just give even though they don't ask. God has always rewarded me afterward, always kept my bank balance above the ground and always told me thank you, because I do not judge the persons need. I will always follow what God tells me is the good and right thing to do - that is to not judge, but to love each person just as they are.
E
It used to apprehensive about giving in these circumstances untill I found a way to do more than just give money.
Now, I keep a stack of Gospel Tracts in my car and some one dollar bills. When I see someone on a street corner asking for money I just give them one of the tracts with a dollar bill inside.
I pray that as they sit on that corner, they might take the time to read that tract, learn about Jesus and then give their life to him. Hopefully it is a seed planted that will grow.
If I do this the rest of my life and even one of these people is reached by Jesus, then it was worth it.
Its kinda fun too!
Now, I keep a stack of Gospel Tracts in my car and some one dollar bills. When I see someone on a street corner asking for money I just give them one of the tracts with a dollar bill inside.
I pray that as they sit on that corner, they might take the time to read that tract, learn about Jesus and then give their life to him. Hopefully it is a seed planted that will grow.
If I do this the rest of my life and even one of these people is reached by Jesus, then it was worth it.
Its kinda fun too!
S
When i was growing up my mom wasnt a christian, and we didnt have any money at all, I remember her taking me and my brothers and sisters out to eat, and there was this man standing on the side of the road by the resturant, he was an older guy maybe 60, we got outta the car and she walked over to this man and gave him some money... me and my brothers and sisters had turned around to go into the resturant and my mom started yelling, he's gone he's gone!! .... the guy had just dissapperared right after my mom gave him the money. Now weather or not he just completely dissapeared or not, im not exactly sure.. its very possible my mom was either really hung over or high, so she coulda been hallucinating again for all i know, but i like to think maybe it was an angel.
S
Biblically, true poverty is to lack food or clothing. Paul says with such we should be content. Many of the folks I see standing on the corners have obviously been fed and they have clothing. Some even wear more expensive shoes than I buy.
Usually within just a few blocks or miles are places with signs in the windows NOW HIRING.
Scripture teaches that one should appeal to is family before appealing to the church for assistance. Why is it that many of these people, there own families won't help them? Why is it that their own congregations won't help them? Could it be that these people have already been burned or that they know the character of those involved?
Usually within just a few blocks or miles are places with signs in the windows NOW HIRING.
Scripture teaches that one should appeal to is family before appealing to the church for assistance. Why is it that many of these people, there own families won't help them? Why is it that their own congregations won't help them? Could it be that these people have already been burned or that they know the character of those involved?
L
Give -- don't even think about where that money is going to go. If you start thinking that way, you'd never give money to anyone because you can always find fault with how they handled the money.
Mark 2:1-17 .......Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (not sure which version that's from)
Also didn't he sit and eat with the prostitutes (and some other group that escapes me now)?
When I've given in the past, especially to someone who hasn't even asked for it or expected it, I can see a small transformation in them, almost a softening of their heart. And like someone else said, quite often (though I'm not expecting anything back), I receive back way more than I even gave.
Mark 2:1-17 .......Jesus said to them, "It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners" (not sure which version that's from)
Also didn't he sit and eat with the prostitutes (and some other group that escapes me now)?
When I've given in the past, especially to someone who hasn't even asked for it or expected it, I can see a small transformation in them, almost a softening of their heart. And like someone else said, quite often (though I'm not expecting anything back), I receive back way more than I even gave.
L
Many, many of those people on the street are mentally ill. They are not capable of even holding the simplest of jobs.
Most homeless people dumpster dive. You wouldn't believe the things you find in the trash. I've found sterling silver necklaces and antiques for instance. Just becuase they're wearing nice clothes or shoes or even a watch, you can't assume anything.
This is judgmental. Because someone has made mistakes, even done bad things, we just cast them away and not help them?
I have a mentally ill husband. He's a christian, but he's fighting something you and I can't even begin to understand. I knew him before he began this downhill descent and he was a decent, incredibly kind man who would have done ANYTHING for anyone -- he would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He was on fire for God. Since his mental illness started to manifest itself (or demons or whatever), he has made my life miserable with the stuff he has pulled -- but is that his true character? I think not - it's the mental illness or demons fighting at him. I have come to the point that I can no longer live with him because he is a danger (not violent, just doing crazy things), but does that mean we toss him on the street?
I guess what I'm saying is, even if the person is on the street, we have nooo way of knowing how they got there and to assume anything is judging something we know not of.
~ Lauren
Most homeless people dumpster dive. You wouldn't believe the things you find in the trash. I've found sterling silver necklaces and antiques for instance. Just becuase they're wearing nice clothes or shoes or even a watch, you can't assume anything.
This is judgmental. Because someone has made mistakes, even done bad things, we just cast them away and not help them?
I have a mentally ill husband. He's a christian, but he's fighting something you and I can't even begin to understand. I knew him before he began this downhill descent and he was a decent, incredibly kind man who would have done ANYTHING for anyone -- he would give the shirt off his back to anyone. He was on fire for God. Since his mental illness started to manifest itself (or demons or whatever), he has made my life miserable with the stuff he has pulled -- but is that his true character? I think not - it's the mental illness or demons fighting at him. I have come to the point that I can no longer live with him because he is a danger (not violent, just doing crazy things), but does that mean we toss him on the street?
I guess what I'm saying is, even if the person is on the street, we have nooo way of knowing how they got there and to assume anything is judging something we know not of.
~ Lauren
D
Casting pearls (Matthew 7:6) is a reference to purpose & position (Luke 14:8)! For example, mammon serves a purpose (Luke 16:9-12), but is cast down (Luke 14:8) when it becomes an idol (Mark 10:25) or takes priority over God (Matthew 6:24). The Law of God is Most High! As far as family & congregation (gathering) are concerned, they are the same. The Lord works in mysterious ways. The body of Christ is "given" as a sacrifice because it is Holy (set apart/ first fruits), & without blame. The Son of Man gave Himself to us because The Yahweh Yehovah Elohim made man in His image. There has NEVER been a "harvest" of souls on the Earth to precede The Final Judgement. If The Body of Christ will receive judgement first (1 Peter 4:17), doesn't that make it the first fruit (of the tree of Life). My point is; U may be as fortunate as Abraham, or U may be as unfortunate as Lazarus, but ONLY The Lord can save!
C
I guess what I'm saying is, even if the person is on the street, we have nooo way of knowing how they got there and to assume anything is judging something we know not of.
I totally agree, we have no idea what goes on behind closed doors, we have no idea what caused these ppl to be where they are, we too often assume , just get a job bum, they are already homeless..how many pppl are honestly ready to take a person knowingly off the street and employ them..not many . I think of it this way..it couldve been me.. but by the grace of God go I .
I totally agree, we have no idea what goes on behind closed doors, we have no idea what caused these ppl to be where they are, we too often assume , just get a job bum, they are already homeless..how many pppl are honestly ready to take a person knowingly off the street and employ them..not many . I think of it this way..it couldve been me.. but by the grace of God go I .
A
I use to live on the streets, and I use to be one of these people!
I am not a drug addict, and I ended up on the streets because I did not want to put up with abuse!
I am also on SSI but the amount they give me is not enough to rent a one bedroom apt. by myself!
It was terrible, people treat you so bad,
and Christians seem to be the worst!
Most churches will not even let you in the front doors without a usher watching you like you have the plague.
We are not to judge people by the way they look, or what they have!
We are to love!
When we look at any one and judge their worthiness of salvation based on what we see, it is wrong!
We must be careful not to call unclean what God has called clean, and only God knows a mans heart!
Jesus died for all of us, He loves all of us, He shows no favorites!
We are to Love God with all our hearts and love our neighbor as ourselves!
Who is the good Samaritan?
If you've done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me!
I have had bottles thrown at me, people have spit on me, and many churches have rejected me, in my time of deepest need!
I was a christian then and if it wasn't for the Lord making sure I always had what I needed by the end of each day,
I would of lost my mind and started using drugs just to easy the pain, it is a shame!
These people are created by God, and are worthy of the same love you take for granted,
Like you earned it or something!
What makes any of you better than them?
We have all broke at least one of the laws, and are worthy of death!
We all are not without sin!
I am not a drug addict, and I ended up on the streets because I did not want to put up with abuse!
I am also on SSI but the amount they give me is not enough to rent a one bedroom apt. by myself!
It was terrible, people treat you so bad,
and Christians seem to be the worst!
Most churches will not even let you in the front doors without a usher watching you like you have the plague.
We are not to judge people by the way they look, or what they have!
We are to love!
When we look at any one and judge their worthiness of salvation based on what we see, it is wrong!
We must be careful not to call unclean what God has called clean, and only God knows a mans heart!
Jesus died for all of us, He loves all of us, He shows no favorites!
We are to Love God with all our hearts and love our neighbor as ourselves!
Who is the good Samaritan?
If you've done it unto the least of these, you've done it unto me!
I have had bottles thrown at me, people have spit on me, and many churches have rejected me, in my time of deepest need!
I was a christian then and if it wasn't for the Lord making sure I always had what I needed by the end of each day,
I would of lost my mind and started using drugs just to easy the pain, it is a shame!
These people are created by God, and are worthy of the same love you take for granted,
Like you earned it or something!
What makes any of you better than them?
We have all broke at least one of the laws, and are worthy of death!
We all are not without sin!
Peace be to you
And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.
I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
God has washed us and clothed us;Do ye like wise
Love God with all your heart,Love your neightber like your love yourself,honor your mother and father,stay away from idols
Love a Friend in God
And the word of the LORD came unto Zechariah, saying,Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother:
And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
And he said also unto his disciples, There was a certain rich man, which had a steward; and the same was accused unto him that he had wasted his goods.
And he called him, and said unto him, How is it that I hear this of thee? give an account of thy stewardship; for thou mayest be no longer steward.
Then the steward said within himself, What shall I do? for my lord taketh away from me the stewardship: I cannot dig; to beg I am ashamed.
I am resolved what to do, that, when I am put out of the stewardship, they may receive me into their houses.So he called every one of his lord's debtors unto him, and said unto the first, How much owest thou unto my lord?
And he said, An hundred measures of oil. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and sit down quickly, and write fifty.Then said he to another, And how much owest thou? And he said, An hundred measures of wheat. And he said unto him, Take thy bill, and write fourscore.
And the lord commended the unjust steward, because he had done wisely: for the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light.
There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
God has washed us and clothed us;Do ye like wise
Love God with all your heart,Love your neightber like your love yourself,honor your mother and father,stay away from idols
Love a Friend in God
Thankyou so much everyone for your replys. I wanted to share now that my hubby and I were homeless with three children due to anothers corruption. We relied on the help of others and had to beg several times. Churches and family helped, but yes, we often felt the sting of judgment. My hubby went back to school and later was able to secure a good job. Durring our expeariance we saw and knew many that like us were simply struggling to regain our lives. We also saw those that make it a daily scam to take what they could even to the detrament of there children. We had little food ourselves during this time but often I gave food directly to the children of these indiviguals as the money the parents had, had gone to drugs. Even though I do know those locally that beg and use the money for drugs, ect. The scripture: Whatever you due to the least of my brothers: has been strong in my heart reciently. There is no wrong in giving to those that do wrong with what you give. Only wrong on my part to refuse. God will judge their actions. I also remebered what some one said to me, that the measure of my love and compassion for the one I loved the least was equal to how much I loved Jesus. Thankyou all for sharing it helped to clarify and comferm what I had believed. That we should give when we can and not question who we give to unless led by our Lord Jesus. Thankyou all so much again for your help. God bless, pickles
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