The poor and needy ?

[RaceBoy]

As Christians, we're supposed to care for the poor/needy. But the problem is, the poor/needy (or homeless, etc) have often times been the ones who commit crimes against those who try to help. I've read stories about how someone who tried to help a homeless person ended up dead because the homeless person turned on him/her. Let's also not forget that they steel, assault people, break in to houses, and commit a lot more other crimes then this. There was even a "homeless" woman (I think she was also pregnant) in California (if I remember) who was holding a sign presumably for money only to then drive off in a Mercedes (a car that cost wel over 100k). So my question is how do we follow the Bible (and in some ways Jesus) when it says to care for those who are needy, when they are the ones who are doing evil ?

 

[Artios1]

If that is the same video I saw ….the woman wasn’t pregnant, she was wearing an artificial pregnancy bump…

In regard to your question …you don’t always know what the background of people are, or intentions…. So go to someone who does.

~ Ask God ~

I can figure out some things sense knowledge wise, but the things I can’t…. I just ask God…He is always there to help. I do this frequently when witnessing and most of the time I end up witnessing to someone I would never have picked, logically or rationally.….and never judge your actions… by results …sometimes they are immediate …sometimes not.

 

[Kyless123]

As Christians, we're supposed to care for the poor/needy. But the problem is, the poor/needy (or homeless, etc) have often times been the ones who commit crimes against those who try to help. I've read stories about how someone who tried to help a homeless person ended up dead because the homeless person turned on him/her. Let's also not forget that they steel, assault people, break in to houses, and commit a lot more other crimes then this. There was even a "homeless" woman (I think she was also pregnant) in California (if I remember) who was holding a sign presumably for money only to then drive off in a Mercedes (a car that cost wel over 100k). So my question is how do we follow the Bible (and in some ways Jesus) when it says to care for those who are needy, when they are the ones who are doing evil ?

I dont give money to those on the street but I do donate food to food pantries and my wife has donated items to places that send the items to who needs it. We've also donated online through certain websites that help poor families around the world. We go with ones that dont spend all the money on advertising. Just recently came across worldvision and going to donate there

 

[RaceBoy]

I dont give money to those on the street but I do donate food to food pantries and my wife has donated items to places that send the items to who needs it. We've also donated online through certain websites that help poor families around the world. We go with ones that dont spend all the money on advertising. Just recently came across worldvision and going to donate there

But when you so come across someone on the streets. Would you give to them ?

 

[p_rehbein]

So my question is how do we follow the Bible (and in some ways Jesus) when it says to care for those who are needy, when they are the ones who are doing evil ?

Learning to discern between those truly in need and those out to make a quick buck..... One way is to check with your local City Offices for info concerning the truly needy. As well, some Churches have lists of people they assist that are in need. You can always check that way.

In any event, using good judgement as to who you extend a helping hand to, when and where you do that, and what kind of help you are offering.

In my area, it is a common pratice for Church groups to gather up items benificial to the homeless and to go in a group to one of their camps and pass out the items. Blankets, coats, clothes, medicinal items, toothpaste, soap and such. Also non perishable food items. Items in cans, and provide can openers as well as paper plates/sporks/drinking cups.

There was a Story a couple of years ago where one group took one hundred cans of Tuna and Soup to a homeless camp. Problem was, they did not take can openers............ ..... actually .....

 

[Kyless123]

But when you so come across someone on the streets. Would you give to them ?

I will say this I haven't dont it yet. In my area there are spots where the same person stands every day at the same time then another person changes them out and they stand in that spot for their time. One of these spots I personally saw a woman give a guy standing on the corner a bill. Dont know the amount obviously but he took it from her then immediately tossed it into the air. Seeing that tells me this person isnt homeless. Another note is if you give them money or food. I've seen that too. Weither they are truly homeless or not God will see that you have good caring intentions to do good

 

[TheIndianGirl]

As Christians, we're supposed to care for the poor/needy. But the problem is, the poor/needy (or homeless, etc) have often times been the ones who commit crimes against those who try to help. I've read stories about how someone who tried to help a homeless person ended up dead because the homeless person turned on him/her. Let's also not forget that they steel, assault people, break in to houses, and commit a lot more other crimes then this. There was even a "homeless" woman (I think she was also pregnant) in California (if I remember) who was holding a sign presumably for money only to then drive off in a Mercedes (a car that cost wel over 100k). So my question is how do we follow the Bible (and in some ways Jesus) when it says to care for those who are needy, when they are the ones who are doing evil ?

I try to avoid the homeless since I am not sure which one is all there, on drugs, mentally stable, etc. Sometimes I do give some money if they are outside a food place like McDonalds, Dunkin Donuts, etc. My tip is only give to strangers if you kind of know how they'll spend the money. If someone is handicapped I am more inclined to help.

 

[ChristianTonyB]

This directive is mainly to do with caring for the poor and needy amongst the church of God, be they members of your own church fellowship, or of the extended church family. They do exist, their struggles in life often hidden because we only see them for a short period of time on a Saturday or Sunday for example, and then only in passing before or after our fixed agenda meetings (worship services, Bible studies, prayer meetings and the like). How will we get to become intimately aware of the true life situations of our brothers and sisters in the Lord, if we don't have the opportunity and take the time to get to know them properly. The concept that we must have a formal agenda most times we meet, is just plainly counter-productive to quality fellowship.

I fellowshipped at a large church group some time ago, and was astounded by the lack of care, particularly in respect of monetary and relationship support, for the single parents (often struggling to house, feed and clothe themselves and their children), and for the orphans (those that don't have other Christians in their biological family, or are distanced from them, and the like, and are therefore devoid of relational support). Yet we required that they turn up every Sunday etc, obliged them to tithe and participate in the 'show', then sent them home needy and/or lonely.

As Christ followers, if after having met the needs of our own family, and the disadvantaged in the body of Christ, or if we come across a situation similar to that of the 'Good Samaritan' or anyone in need, and we are fairly confident our pearl-like gift won't be trodden on, and we have the wherewithal to give, then of course we should give, and give cheerfully. That's what I must aim to do at least, because I think that's what God requires of me, and I wish to be pleasing to Him in everything.

I wouldn't recommend an individual walk amongst the homeless and the like, offering help. By all means do it as a group, it is a good outreach, but even so be circumspect about how and where you do it. Unless you had a hand in causing a homeless situation, you are not responsible for it. In truth, the government and NGOs are often better placed to provide qualified support for those in the outside community that are homeless, as they have the resources and expertise to deal with what can be very complex and problematic situations.

 

[Oblio]

But when you so come across someone on the streets. Would you give to them ?

I used to go to church with a few people who worked at World Vision Headquarters in Mississauga and they worked for lower wages so more of the donations could go to help the world's poor. It's a solid group.

 

[JStates]

I dont give money to those on the street but I do donate food to food pantries and my wife has donated items to places that send the items to who needs it. We've also donated online through certain websites that help poor families around the world. We go with ones that dont spend all the money on advertising. Just recently came across worldvision and going to donate there

Exactly this. Give through a reputable honest charity, organization, or your local church. The last church I attended has a deacons' fund for helping the needy.

 

[Lynx]

Here in the South we often take some time to think through things like this.

What we did in my town is, all the churches got together and set up a community fund for the needy. All the churches contribute (well, except that one church that refuses to associate with anybody else) and we send needy people to that fund for assistance.

This keeps leeches from going from church to church and sucking each one dry in turn. This is important because it leaves a lot more resources free to help those who are truly in need.

 

[ResidentAlien]

I was on a city transit bus one time and this girl was giving an older woman a sob story about how she was pregnant and was very bad off, etc., etc. As the woman was exiting the bus she gave the girl a pretty good sum of money and said "God bless" or something like that, I can't really remember. When the woman was gone all the girl's friends erupted in laughter and were saying things like "well-played!" and "Hey, I'm pregnant too!"

I remember something I did once that I regret. I was new in a big city and this guy came up to me asking for change; I wanted to do the Christian thing and was also a little scared about what he would do if I refused. So I gave him all my change, which was actually quite a bit. Later that day I was walking in another part of town and there he was, sitting on the sidewalk smoking something in a glass pipe, and I'm sure it wasn't tobacco!

Yes, we need to help the poor but we have to use discernment. Jesus said in Luke 16:8: "For the sons of this age are shrewder in their own generation than the sons of light." And in Matthew 10:16: "Behold, I am sending you forth like sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be as wise as serpents and innocent as doves."

 

[Kyless123]

Exactly this. Give through a reputable honest charity, organization, or your local church. The last church I attended has a deacons' fund for helping the needy.

Also like you said if they are standing by some place that has food. Instead of giving them money buy some food for them then you know the money went to good use. Alot of these people have bad smoking habits and we all know that's expensive

 

[Lanolin]

help with your church foodbank or community meal.
homeless people can and do access these. If coming across homeless, you can refer them to church and say theres a free meal there and food etc and people wont judge you.

The other thing is to support habitat for humanity, or womens refuge. Unfortunately greed has made many people homeless and some of its due to economics, though in personal domestic situations its almost always because of family dysfunction and violence. Streetkids runaway from home and defintiely do NOT want to go back where they'll get abused and beaten up.

 

[Lanolin]

on helping criminals, well dont. Use discernment, not everyone that is homeless has turned into a criminal. But generally rule is dont give to beggars, esp people asking for change, it will get spent. on drugs. Dont be naive about this. The drug dealer runs on a cash economy. And they want payment NOW.

If people really want money theyd go to the bank and get it. You are not a bank. Most people with a bit of dignity would not beg, they would busk or sell something if they needed money.
If wanting food they would go to the foodbank or dumpster dive

 

[Genipher]

I've gotten to recognize some of the true homeless in my area, the regulars. And, oddly enough, they aren't the ones that beg with signs but, instead, go through garbage looking for cans, etc.

I've had some almost crying in joy over a hamburger and others scoffing and refusing the bag of coins I had (the only cash on hand that I was gonna take to the bank). Some folks are greatful to have their car filled with gas while others sneer at the bag of groceries I've handed them.

At any rate, Yahweh sees OUR intent and knows our heart. Might be the begger is also a con but does it matter when you're acting in obedience to God??

 

[Mission21]

I used to buy..burgers & pizza for the homeless.
- Sometimes, I learned..why they became homeless.

 

[RaceBoy]

A little bump. Some people even say that the homeless are homeless by choice. If that's the case then we need to start sending the ones who refuse help to jail (like California is thinking about doing) as they're cause problems in society. Trash, defecating in the streets, and physically harming others, etc. Some homeless are simply not worthy of sympathy, which sucks for us Christians because the bible encourages us to help them.

 

[Cabrillo]

A little bump. Some people even say that the homeless are homeless by choice. If that's the case then we need to start sending the ones who refuse help to jail (like California is thinking about doing) as they're cause problems in society. Trash, defecating in the streets, and physically harming others, etc. Some homeless are simply not worthy of sympathy, which sucks for us Christians because the bible encourages us to help them.

I have worked in missions and led a bible study @ the Las Vegas homeless resource center. Mental illness and substance abuse mixed together are most often the primary cause of homelessness in big cities.

 

[Oblio]

I have worked in missions and led a bible study @ the Las Vegas homeless resource center. Mental illness and substance abuse mixed together are most often the primary cause of homelessness in big cities.

People with mental illness often self-medicate. They fall between the cracks and end up homeless. Thank you for caring about these people. ❤