charity and helping others?

Question

As christians we are suposed to help people in need. If you see somebody asking for money, are you supposed to give them money all the time you see them? is ok to give a couple of dollars or give them most or all we have at that moment? Times are different this days and I heard stories of people that got hurt while trying to help others or give them money. As christians what are we supposed to do?

Matthew 25:42-48

42 For I was hungry, and you didn’t feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn’t give me a drink. 43 I was a stranger, and you didn’t invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn’t give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn’t visit me.’
44 “Then they will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?’

45 “And he will answer, ‘I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me"

Answer 1

Be not deceived . Every real new Christian faces this dilema. There are a lot of professional beggars and or druggies out there. A person that has a corner or toll gate can be ignored . Some make more than you.

It's the person with no hand out you should be aware of. To give alms to a druggie is to support their habit.

If your heart goes out to one , buy them a sandwich but don't give them money.

Do take pity on the homeless and hungry but be discerning.


Chose wisely who you will help. Be aware , the next time you're at a fast food place . See the obviously hungry or cold person , just buying coffee, Or two people sharing one burger. Try not to embarrass them , say , oops I bought too much , would you like this one.

Around my business , I started a food coupon deal. I made up computer coupons for each food store $1.00 each and I buy them back. When I see distressed people , I offer the coupons , with the names of the stores that accept them. This way I know , none of my money bought drugs.

I know you don't want to be guilty of the sin of omission but be careful. Many Churches have outreach programs.


God Bless you for you heartfelt question.

Answer 2

I dont think you should give them money. If they are hungry, and you have some food to spare then you share. If not, you can offer to walk them over the a fast food place or store and get tehm something. You can then suggest that maybe they take advantage of all of the support systems that clothe, house and feed the homeless and poor.

It wouldnt make you a bad Christian to offer assitance to the needy, but you shouldnt be giving cash away. If you want to donate cash to the needy i say find a food shelf in your area, buy food and bring it there

Answer 3

I understand where you're coming from. In some countries, its illegal to give to beggars, would you believe that? Begging is a syndicate already and the more you give beggars, the more they will beg instead of trying to find work or improve their circumstance because money comes easy to them. Maybe you can help in charitable institutions if you really want to help. There are many ways you can help others and it usually begins at home. If you can teach your family to be charitable - both in material stuff and in serving others - then you've helped a lot of people that way.

Answer 4

Well, according to the verses you cite, they're saying DO these things -- feed, clothe, harbor, visit, nurse, comfort -- not give money. In fact, giving money is the lazy way out of helping. Wouldn't you rather a friend visit you in the hospital than have him say he doesn't have time and that he would send you money instead of a visit?

Answer 5

If I have a spare dollar I do give it to them. I don't judge why they're asking because I feel they must have some abuse or neglect in their lives to have reduced them to begging.