Should we, as Christians..give money homeless persons on the street?

Question

or should we walk on by?

Wow origen01! I always want to help them but some tell me it's wrong to do it.

Answer 1

This is the scriptural injunction I live by:

"Give to all who beg from you." That is from the bible.

So, if I have money to give, I give it. If I don't, I don't. I assume that any beggar that comes my way, or vice versa, is there for a divine purpose, so I go with it. But this is what God revealed to me, so you have to ask God what He may be saying to you about it, personally.

Answer 2

I think a better alternative than giving money to a homeless person is to ask if you can buy them a meal (or a pair of shoes, a blanket, a cold drink). Too many homeless people are suffering from addictions or are mentally ill. They may not use good judgement in how they spend the money but they can always use a helping hand, a friendly smile and something that will make their day a little easier.

Answer 3

All people regardless of religion should have compassion for others. If for no other reason than we share the world together and it will be a better place for all if we minimize poverty and suffering. These things do affect the overall quality of life for us all. We should however, give within our means such that we ourselves don't go broke or without doing so. Just use commonsense. We should also consider what the best way to really help someone is. Sometimes help is better when directed to getting someone on their feet and independently functioning rather than help that is short term and keeps them dependent on others. I do however, give money to homeless people, preferably though if they are near where I get coffee I buy them a coffee and breakfast, that way I know it didn't go to alcohol or drugs to hurt themselves more. In our area some homeless people make things and sell newspapers or other goods for merchants. I make a point to buy from them over going to a store for it since they profit from this.

Answer 4

Giving cash is the easy answer, but it usually isn't the wisest one.

Receiving free money only encourages people to seek more of it. In most cases, it is counter productive.

That is why I am opposed to the government paying people unemployment. Instead, it should hire them. It is paying them already. They should be doing something to earn it. At the very least, they could pick up trash in parks and along highways. Performing actual work would encourage people to seek a better job elsewhere instead of relying on government handouts.

If you choose to give to homeless people, food and clothing are generally better choices than cash. If you do choose to give cash, you should at least get them to do something for it. I mean something useful, not something embarrassing. Every time I've seen someone asking for handouts, the surrounding area was in serious need of being cleaned up. If it isn't, be creative.

Answer 5

On the one hand, the way this person chooses to spend the money may seem unwise to me. On the other hand, this person is living with a lot of stress and that can make it hard to make good decisions. But no matter how good or bad this person's decision making may be, this person is certainly less fortunate than I am, so I try give sometimes.

Of course, I can't afford to give money to every panhandler who approaches. But unless the person seems crazy or threatening, I at least look them in the face and say "I'm sorry, but I can't help you today. I hope I can help you some other day."

Answer 6

Christians should give money to homeless people on the street because it will be an act of love. Without love there will be no chance to enter into Heaven.

Answer 7

We should be charitable to those in need, yes. But often giving money to a vagrant is contributing to their problem. Most homeless people, at least in big cities, know where to go to get a free meal every day, so they don't need the money for food.

We should afford means to provide for their basic needs, while taking reasonable steps to be sure that our time and material donations are being used responsibly.

Answer 8

...let me suggest this approach so you don't fall in-to the "panhandle" trap... If you want to help a person who "appears" to be homeless and in need... first... know your area... is there a homeless shelter near by... what community resources are avail...(check it out first)... is there a VA Hospital in the area (many homeless are ex-military and the VA will help them)... when you've got your "information" all set... then talk with the person... offer them help by directing them to get the help... phone numbers, addresses. If all they do is "flip your off" and continue to ask for money... chances are "they" are just looking for some "beer" money.
If some one is truly seeking help... your information will help them...

Answer 9

I generally will offer them food, as the money might not be used for what they are saying it is for.
Only time I broke this rule myself, was when I saw an honest homeless man 3 years ago with a sign... "Need money for beer" He got a dollar from me for being honest.

Answer 10

I don't personally...I have on very rare occasions..Some people are just homeless, but the majority of the homeless people in my area are alcoholics or addicts...So I buy them food...sometimes they are happy other times I get a burger thrown at me...Either way at least I tried..

Answer 11

I wouldn't give them money. Quite a few of them would only use it to buy alcohol or drugs. Ask them if they would like food. If they say yes, tell them you will go down the street to some nearby fast food place and bring them something. Will they still be there when you get back? If they say they will, go get it and bring it back.