city beggars...?

Question

I live in downtown chicago and you literally can't go anywhere without running into a beggar, i would always just give but maybe life made me cynical and having to work my *** off for everything i do have makes me look at them like , **** you i worked for this and all you do is stand there and beg and then when i think about how many people pass there way in places like downtown and how if they get my dollar and 700 other peoples dollars, they end up with more money at the end of the day than i have and that pisses me off, but i just read somebody post about how jesus says to give to beggars and give to borrowers so now i'm confused should i feel bad for not adding to these people's daily bankrolls anymore or just keep giving to be christian like?

Answer 1

Your answers will differ between those who live/work in large cities and those who don't. I live in a large city and I have lived in "rough" neighborhoods within the city. I would be penniless if I gave to every person who asks for it. Many times these people are lying and do not want to find a job. I have offered to take people to find work and offered to buy them food. I have been turned down more times than not--they want cash. I have met people who were beggars for a living--that's what they wanted to do to fund their habits. I no longer offer money or food to individual beggars. There are other, better ways to help than to give to individual beggars. I give to local soup kitchens, food banks, clothing banks, homeless shelters and volunteer my time for United Way. I tell the beggars where these services are located even though I can see from their expression that they usually don't care.

Answer 2

I have mixed emotions about the homeless and beggars. I often think that those in such a situation should spend their time trying to find work instead of begging.

I am, however, all too aware how difficult it is to find a job at times. Just imagine how much more difficult it would be if you couldn't be well bathed/groomed and clothed, had no address or phone number for employers to contact, and no reliable means of transportation.

Then there's the possibility that at least some of these people are handicapped in ways that aren't necessarily visible, but still prevents them from being able to be a functional part of society.

I live from check to check as it is, and there have been far too many times when unforeseen circumstances could have put me into such a position myself were it not for the good graces of wonderful family and friends who helped me through tough times.

Compassion for others is always a positive thing. Though I often will give a gift of food, instead of money. Money can be used to purchase alcohol or drugs and I do not feel comfortable with the possibility of enabling someone's addictions.

If giving to these people causes you a financial hardship then don't do it, but if you have a dollar or two to spare and are comfortable doing so, then it's certainly an ethically charitable thing to do.

If you're giving simply to live up to a concept you don't follow in your heart of hearts then the action seems to me to be a form of hypocrasy, so be careful of your motives. Maybe you should try to re-examine your views on this, and try to find some true compassion for others.

Answer 3

You could budget a certain amount per wk to give them and then you will not feel quilty and will have done your duty as a Christian. You should be able to recognise the ones who hit you up regularly also. Tell them you have already given to them and don't be embarrassed.You could also tke one to a meal and make sure the money is spent on food. That way you get to witness and feed them and feel satisfied about doing the Christian thing. Jesus said to feed,clothe,and give water to be a Christian witness to all.We shouldn't be prejudiced to whom you give it to. He also said that when He returns He may be the one you are helping and without you knowing it!We must do God's will but you need a balance for your income and your emotions or you will not be an effective witness! I think the" weekly homeless $ budget" would work great for your circumstance! You could also give a donation to a shelter in your area on a one or two times a year basis and then not give directly to the ppl on the streets. Unless it was a meal or for a young mom and kids that you can tell are truly in need. Best wishes!

Answer 4

Ask them what they need the money for. The most obvious would be food. If that is the response. Offer to take them for a hamburger. They will not want to wast time doing this if that is not why they're begging. They will just walk away. If the person is hungry, buy them a hamburger. Most of the beggars are there for money, drugs and alcohol.

Answer 5

My brother lives in Pittsburgh and he says he knows some beggers who make 50K a year. thats more than i make. Yet its still hard not to give because you dont know if this guy has had a meal yet today or has a warm bed to sleep in. I dont live in an area with beggers but i think i would feel really guilty not giving to atleast the first guy i came across.. After I saw alot of them i would probably start to question the whole giving thing also.

Answer 6

I think he also said " Teach a man to fish, so he can feed his family" oh yea and there is this one also "He helps those that help themselves." Oh and there is " the Lord giveth and the lord taketh away." Never give to be " Christian like". that doesn't count. Then there is my favorite passage in the bible, " The Lord looked out upon the lands and saw the masses. And they were slacking off. He spoke to them from the mountain, " Get up and wash your selves, comb thy hairs into place. Put the essence of flowers under your arms and scrub thine teeth to help beget a nice smile and freshness of breath. Then go forth and get a job. and you will be whole." Or maybe that should be in the bible.

Answer 7

I think people in big cities have a different perspective on this. If you gave money to everyone who asked on your way to and from work, you'd be broke. I met this 17 year old kid who was supporting his $85 a day crack habit by begging. So what my Friends and I began to do is give food to people, at least that way you're not supporting alcohol and drug habits.

Answer 8

youre right. up here in seattle people have been caught doing this as a tax free income. see some dude leave down an alley climb into a suburban and drive off. i think we should give to people who ACTUALLY need it and will use it in a way to better themselves. if all they are going to do is sit there and beg and never try to better themselves, then let em, they aint gettin my money though.

Answer 9

Let go of the anger. What difference does it make what they have? You see a person who appears to be in need and you give... Jesus would approve.

Answer 10

You can use your own discretion when dealing with homeless people. The bible says 'if you don't work, you don't eat'. Instead of giving them money you may want to buy them something to eat instead...... that way you won't feel taken advantage of.