How do you help others?

[ww_21]

It seems to me that in today's society the poor and homeless then to go ignored. Is there anything special you do for the homeless or anything you wish you could do? Here are some examples:

A while ago, I was sitting at a food mall and there was this boy walking around begging for money claiming he wanted to purchase a meal with the money. Almost everyone there ignored him, told him to go away etc. It was horrible. I remember giving this boy cash to buy himself food and I was scolded for it by my family. They claimed he was going to buy drugs but he took the cash, said thank you and ordered himself a meal and sat outside eating. Nothing made me happier.

One night we went to this city for a concert and my friends were hanging around the car drinking, eating etc and this homeless man came up to us. They were all startled by his appearance, there was just something eerie about him, and he was looking at their meals and so on, clearly he wanted something but everyone began walking away from this man. It broke my heart so I grabbed a cup and I must admit I was scared of him, he looked like the type to attack you at any minute so I planned to place the cup of juice for him on the floor and run away! However he stretched his hand out and accepted it and said thank you.

Things like this is always happening to me and you know, it breaks my heart when it happens. My goal is to someday be able to afford to run a home for people like this to help them get back on their feet. My question to you all is, how do you react in these situations? How do you help others in need when you see them? No matter how old or young we are, even if it's one small action I believe we can make a difference in someone's day by one act of kindness.

 

[secularhermit]

Now I know what those open hands would do...

Tonight, when I was coming to my mother´s from the near bakery, one man I know asked me money. I said: "I give money to nobody". Disgusted, he talked back: "You are that NOBODY" (so I quickly admitted he was right) and started to talk to the owner of that bakery (and a the nearer store house) who was sweeping the floor, outside his two business. I said to the beggar, who left us alone but hearing: This is another "nobody" who works cleaning the dust, here.

That beggar consumes drugs. He steals around and pretends me -by intimidation- to give any money. Is it easy to make money? He knows what he does and there are many more things I won´t say about working or being "nobody": Many aren´t willing to get up.

Of course, some need help. It is smelled when they are in that need you´ve mentioned but, will you pour your life to help those you know are unwilling to change?

My friend Eduardo, a pastor near my home town, uses the church to feed the needy. I have told him, a couple of time, he needs to feed they stomach but PRIMARILY their soul, by preaching.

I just remember this case of Jesus:

Joh 6:26 Jesus replied to them, "I can guarantee this truth: You're not looking for me because you saw miracles. You are looking for me because you ate as much of those loaves as you wanted.


Joh 6:27 Don't work for food that spoils. Instead, work for the food that lasts into eternal life. This is the food the Son of Man will give you. After all, the Father has placed his seal of approval on him."

John 6:55

 

[JesusLives]

Hard to know what to do sometimes. I live in a state where there are a lot of panhandlers and I guess as I have gotten older I can be a little more hard hearted in thinking that they will just use the money for drugs or booze.

I have been thinking more about these people and as of late I have given out a little more than I did before because I ask myself Who am I to judge and make assumptions about these people?

Life isn't always easy and as a Christian I should be more compassionate toward my fellow human. I'm glad that OP has a kind heart and has helped people in need - Thanks for your good example.

 

[ChosenbyHim]

It seems to me that in today's society the poor and homeless then to go ignored. Is there anything special you do for the homeless or anything you wish you could do? Here are some examples:

A while ago, I was sitting at a food mall and there was this boy walking around begging for money claiming he wanted to purchase a meal with the money. Almost everyone there ignored him, told him to go away etc. It was horrible. I remember giving this boy cash to buy himself food and I was scolded for it by my family. They claimed he was going to buy drugs but he took the cash, said thank you and ordered himself a meal and sat outside eating. Nothing made me happier.

One night we went to this city for a concert and my friends were hanging around the car drinking, eating etc and this homeless man came up to us. They were all startled by his appearance, there was just something eerie about him, and he was looking at their meals and so on, clearly he wanted something but everyone began walking away from this man. It broke my heart so I grabbed a cup and I must admit I was scared of him, he looked like the type to attack you at any minute so I planned to place the cup of juice for him on the floor and run away! However he stretched his hand out and accepted it and said thank you.

Things like this is always happening to me and you know, it breaks my heart when it happens. My goal is to someday be able to afford to run a home for people like this to help them get back on their feet. My question to you all is, how do you react in these situations? How do you help others in need when you see them? No matter how old or young we are, even if it's one small action I believe we can make a difference in someone's day by one act of kindness.

I am glad that you helped that kid that day ww_21, that must have been a big blessing for you that day.

Given each situation, one must obviously exercise some discernment because not everyone is genuine. There are some instances where you can tell almost right away that a certain person really is in of the help. And in some other instances you may think: "is this guy really legit?"

Again, where Discernment comes in.

When I come across a similar situation, if I have cash on me than I try to help as I can. Especially when they approach me specifically and ask for some help. But another thing I have been doing and this may encourage you ww_21, is I always make sure to give them the Gospel. And I do this by handing them a Gospel tract. Because as much as they need monetary help at times, if they are lost, having no hope, and without God in the world, then they also definitely need the Gospel. They need to flee from the wrath to come. So it is always good to have Gospel tracts on you. That way as you give a person that is less fortunate on the streets either some cash or some food to help them out, you can also hand him a Gospel tract and encourage him to read it. And of course, if you have time and so does the other person, and in your not in the middle of traffic, you may even be able to take some time to deal with him about his soul one on one. Every situation will be different to a certain degree. But it is always good to keep that in mind.

Its like they say many times, once a person's physical needs are met, although temporarily, at that moment, they will be more open and willing to listen to you as you share with them the precious Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. And that is the greatest gift that you could ever offer and give to any soul.

Because the most important question that anyone will ever face in their lifetime, is where will they spend Eternity?

Well WW_21, I hope this helped. I know its helped me a lot. And I am thankful to the Lord for giving me Biblical wisdom. It has helped me to be prepared to always spread and share the Gospel.

 

[Brighthouse]

Sister WW_21 With peoples trust at an all time low in our land,it can be most difficult, but our faith and hope are not in the people are they?? hehe I remember I caught all kinds of hell by my room mates for allowing a homeless man to stay at our house!

After much debate,they went to there rooms very angry while I stayed and entertained as best I could this man,food,etc.. just talked to him. He said he came from a place far away,and I would know the next day just where that is as his promise. Got him a bed while I sleep on the floor,and when I woke the next day,he had gone??

But a note was left by his bed sis,a note I will never ever forget!!It said simply this!! "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers,for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it! signed Hebrews 13:2!! So as we are led by the Spirit of God sister( rom 8:14-15)then it does not matter what others say or think to me! Because sister we know something they do not! God's own wisdom!( james 1:5) that is why we seek Jesus for it daily sis!

 

[penknight]

To be honest, there really isn't much I can do for people besides pray for them.