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karine___
Guest
when u see a beggar or someone looking for food in a trash can, for example, and u have some money with u u had planned to spend on something for urself , what would u do / what would ur thoughts be?
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A
AgeofKnowledge
Guest
They've caught so many people hustling money on corners posing as homeless veterans and whatnot that I reallly just support Christian organization's relief efforts anymore personally. They caught fully employed people changing out of suits after work to go make some extra money. It's crazy.
We've got church pantries, Christian men & women homes, homeless shelters, feeding programs, Salvation Army, etc... here and they are all doing good work. I'd hate for my hard earned money to go on weed and alcohol.
I suppose though, if you get to know people that are homeless then it's different or if God moves you to help someone, etc... then sure!
We've got church pantries, Christian men & women homes, homeless shelters, feeding programs, Salvation Army, etc... here and they are all doing good work. I'd hate for my hard earned money to go on weed and alcohol.
I suppose though, if you get to know people that are homeless then it's different or if God moves you to help someone, etc... then sure!
This has happened to me before and I gave them some money, but I am lucky enough to be blessed with enough so that I could get more from the bank. I think that even if I couldn't get more I would still give something just because I know they need it more than me and also to honor my duty to serve a loving God.
A
Aqua_Girl09
Guest
Matthew 25:43-46
43I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ 44“Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ 45“Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46“These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
basically saying. even if they're a pot head or crack addict God doesn't care. what you're going to be judged on is the good of your heart. are you giving because of him or selfishly thinking that YOU can do better is someone else's life with YOUR own power. cause it was GOD that gave you that job that got you money and GOD that will take it away. ^_^. i don't know how that person got on the side of the street or what they do but i know that I want to share God's love with them.
43I was a stranger, and you did not invite Me in; naked, and you did not clothe Me; sick, and in prison, and you did not visit Me.’ 44“Then they themselves also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or naked, or sick, or in prison, and did not take care of You?’ 45“Then He will answer them, ‘Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ 46“These will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.”
basically saying. even if they're a pot head or crack addict God doesn't care. what you're going to be judged on is the good of your heart. are you giving because of him or selfishly thinking that YOU can do better is someone else's life with YOUR own power. cause it was GOD that gave you that job that got you money and GOD that will take it away. ^_^. i don't know how that person got on the side of the street or what they do but i know that I want to share God's love with them.
S
sloppy3
Guest
I'm a non-beliver and I give to a number of charities and would generally help those obviously in need or isolated.
P
perdonato
Guest
After a missions trip in San Francisco a couple of years ago I really had to encounter this "issue." We had an assignment one day where we were each given $2 and told to go out and talk to people from the city from all different classes and then take someone out to lunch with us for the $2 - and eat with them and talk with them. $2 isn't much, especially when you consider tax in California. We had another assignment a few days later where we were given $20 to use at our own discretion - to help someone/some people but they encouraged us to be creative and not just buy food or give money.
The thing with both of these assignments (probably a total of 10 hours just walking the streets) was that we were talking with the homeless community. We would ask people about their lives and, you know, it's interesting how many people choose to be homeless. Certainly many have not chosen the life, but there is a significant number of people who have chosen to be homeless and beg simply because it is easier than working.
I know that's a hard thing to wrap the mind around... but it's true. Even so, in the midst of this discovery, these people have needs. "Getting creative" with our $20, we helped lead people to the big organizations that exist (Union Gospel Mission, St. John's, etc.) and attempted to provide for needs beyond just food. "See a Need - Meet a Need" became our catchphrase. I think we are called to help people (as Matthew 25 says above), but how much more satisfying to help them spiritually than a one time physical thing?
I think if you have time... talk to them. They are lonely. They have stories. They accept prayer. And maybe you'll plant a seed or make an impact you never knew you could. I know it's uncomfortable to think about and people are busy - but... giving TIME is valuable. And sharing the love of God isn't always comfortable.
The thing with both of these assignments (probably a total of 10 hours just walking the streets) was that we were talking with the homeless community. We would ask people about their lives and, you know, it's interesting how many people choose to be homeless. Certainly many have not chosen the life, but there is a significant number of people who have chosen to be homeless and beg simply because it is easier than working.
I know that's a hard thing to wrap the mind around... but it's true. Even so, in the midst of this discovery, these people have needs. "Getting creative" with our $20, we helped lead people to the big organizations that exist (Union Gospel Mission, St. John's, etc.) and attempted to provide for needs beyond just food. "See a Need - Meet a Need" became our catchphrase. I think we are called to help people (as Matthew 25 says above), but how much more satisfying to help them spiritually than a one time physical thing?
I think if you have time... talk to them. They are lonely. They have stories. They accept prayer. And maybe you'll plant a seed or make an impact you never knew you could. I know it's uncomfortable to think about and people are busy - but... giving TIME is valuable. And sharing the love of God isn't always comfortable.
an old man in tattered rags was begging for money with no words, just clasped his hands as if in prayer, when I didn't give him money cause my dad was with me and had given me the only 5 dollar bill I had I shrugged my shoulders, without even looking at any other cars he started hexing me. The light turned green I dropped off my dad and me and my friend went back there my friend asked why and I said "I don't know why but that man has to know I'm a christian" I broke the bill at a convenience store and make a long story short I gave him 2 dollars and he said "now that you've given me money I know you're of God and I can talk to you" he told us about how he'd been leading a revolution for God for over 30 years yada ya and then he tranced out and said "THUS SAYS THE LORD GOD" and we hit the ground to our knees, blinded, curling our hats over the sides of our eyes struggling for relief as he just kept on going with what he was saying. We were collapsed like that for what felt like an hour, it was horrible it was probably only 20 minutes or so, I just remember waiting for him to stop, trying to look up but my eyes arguing with me. Finally when I thought he was done I sprang up, still looking down cause I was afraid to look, I extended my hand and he shook it, I hastily turned around to walk away and the world was normal. I heard my friend say goodbye and when my friend caught up I said "did you see me there kneeling like that?" he said "**** no I didn't see you Jeff I was kneeling right behind you how in the **** could I see you?!! I recommend giving the homeless guy the money. If you are a christian you are living on borrowed time anyway, its not your body, let alone your money. God bless
K
Kooper
Guest
Do unto them as I'd like to done unto me?
And if they're hustling, that's their problem.
I just tried to do something good.