What are your thoughts on helping the poor?

Question

Is it our responsibility to help those less fortunate than ourselves? To what extent?

What about helping in countries where there aren't any jobs? example: some places in africa have 70-80% unemployment rates...

Answer 1

Yes, how could we ignore human suffering and at the same time consider ourselves to be fair, good, just, kind. I help out at the local salvation army, you see people all the time who came to dire straits not because of bad choices but bad circumstances, the best thing to do is imagine yourself in a position of need.
Your in Louisiana and your home and job are gone due to a hurricane, would you hope someone has compassion and helps you?

Answer 2

Depends on your opinion. Jesus said there would always be poor and that a Christian's primary job is to Learn the Bible, Preach it, and teach others to preach and teach. Following these simple goal seems to pull the poor up and help them solve their own problems through the congregation. When it don't work may be a sign that what one is preaching and teaching may not be true to the teaching of Christ. When Jesus fed the large crowd from just a few fish, bread, and a little wine was not the feeding of the poor, but just of those who came out to hear his word. At the time, Israel overall was a middle and upper income society.

The problem todya is in identifying the truly poor. In my cab, every day I see the panhandlers. In the last six months, they have been rapidly growing in numbers. Yet, I see them hire a taxi to get to and from areas like the Plaza. I've taken them home to apartment nicer than what I live in. I've also notice the same child being used by different panhandlers.

Answer 3

Tolerance for others is always the key. If you or I needed help, we would hope someone would show us compassion. Being poor is most often not a choice, just as being abused/criminalized/etc. The struggle to cope in our world know matter what country is difficult for even those making a living day to day. It's not just about getting a job, esp. after you have been poor for too long. Ones self worth is gone & depression usually takes over. It's like having a death in the family everyday (so to speak) as hope is lost because society has placed you in a category of shame & uslessness & often criminal.

Homelessness & poverty creates more probems for society if not addressed in a positive manner. When your self worth becomes nile, then you will resort to anything. This includes people who recieve the same subliminal messages as everyone else.... in order to fit into this world, you must strive to have money to buy buy buy. Be with the Haves & then life is easier. So the result is poor people stealing for satisfaction to be on par with the rich, or just merely needing food, shelter, clothing. It means better off people must then give more taxes for stricter laws, or police/security devices & guards. More pressure on businesses to create products that can't be stolen.
The poor have less to do as they can't afford everyday things that use to be free, & nothing to be proud of so they loiter, sometime hurrass, or sometimes become stay-ins, becoming more isolated, lonely then become more sick, placing more burdens on medical needs, etc.

What I'm saying is if we took the time to have a more equal society, many of the problems we've created by being indifferent to the poors plight, would be less, possibly none exsistent in society today.

Lastly... giving from ones heart & soul makes one feel good. Endorphanes kick in & you become a more happier, healthier person in the long run. Which then rubs off onto others. Smiles & laughter feels good which makes for a better society.
PAY IT FORWARD A THEY SAY, & YOU'LL SHALL RECIEVE 10 FOLD IN RETURN.

Answer 4

That is such a hard question nowadays with all the phonies out there. I think you have to make sure the poorness is legitimate. YOu can't believe how many people like to appeal to soft hearts to get something. I've ran into it a lot. Use wisdom and ask other people if they can confirm the person(s) standing. And of course ask for leading by the Holy Spirit. Jesus did make a very unusual statement when the woman poured all the expensive perfume on his feet and his criticizers chastised him for the waste of money that could have been spent on poor people. Jesus said, the poor will be with you always.

Answer 5

I don't know about responsibility to the american standards. But it is to the standards of one person who does not belong to something but thier own heart. I personally give the homeless monet every now and then. Like when I come to an intersection and see a homeless man holding a sign up that reads, "will work for food", I will give him at aleast 5 bucks. I just hope they buy food with it and not drugs. That is my contribution. The govenment really needs to learn how to clean up thier own country before deciding on how to dictate another.

Answer 6

I currently run a ministry to help persons in need. I suppply them with food, clothing, hygiene, household items and furniture. These persons must have been in a flood or fire crisis or family violence situation. I don't really ask for much info from them because I believe that what God has asked me to do He will take care of those who misuse this ministry for false needs. So far I do not believe that we have been taken advantage of.
You need to do only what you feel is needed to be done at that time with the person in which you have come in contact with. God will put it on you heart what you should really be doing for others. Listen to your heart and wait for the answer.
Blessings to you for your efforts.

Answer 7

I can only speak for myself on this one. Yes I do think that we who have it better than so many in our country should help those who need help the most. I am talking about people who are trying their hardest to make it on their own, maybe working 2 jobs with kids to feed. We never know what might happen to us one day.

Answer 8

to help the poor..Its not our responsibility to do that.. But i guess it really depends on your thoughts and how you feel. You have to relize to alot of the "bums" are really not bums at all..They have a job but want to get money for putting on a act.. Alot of the times, poor people use it on drugs and alcohol...So sometimes i will give to the poor and others i wont. Plus many of them start harassing you so like i said its really on your thoughts

Answer 9

I am not opposed to helping someone who will help themselves. It's the people who are healthy and too lazy to work that I wil not give handouts to.

Modern technology is going to ruin todays society. You dont have to get up and change the TV anymore, you can nuke a dinner in 2 minutes, you dont have to get out to go into the resturant. No wonder people are obese and lazy........

Answer 10

Well, it's always good thing to help others, because you never know when you're going to be the one needing help.

And about helping the poor, I don't necessarily agree in giving them money, but rather educating them, training them so they can get jobs.