How should Christians deal with beggars?

Question

I went to downtown Atlanta for a few days.
I encountered many beggars.
These people have learned to beg in the name of Jesus - and then we have that Scripture to put a big guilt trip on us if we don't give to them, but I don't know these people and if they can hustle me for a dollar they can sell used cars right? most of these people use the money for booze anyway - right? if you help them are you really helping them? how many people take that money and buy a suit with it? I just have my reservations but I dont' want to do the wrong thing. Whenever I've been down on my luck nobody was there to help me. so I just dont' see how God really wants me to help someone who is content doing nothing and hustling people for money all day. someone I don't know and don't trust. I honestly dont' have much more money than they do either. But I don't want to be calloused in my heart either. I just get major bad vibes from these people.

Answer 1

Art, yes, so many are in need. I give whatever I can even if it's 50 cents. It's not much but my heart glows when it does.
Also, think about this the next time they ask for money, and if you can't afford it just say there's a local shelter at this and this place, or just listen to the homeless guy for a second. Maybe there is a story he can share with you. And in Jesus' name you will helped tremendously.
One time I saw a homeless guy running with food in his hand, and he was running to a guy in a wheelchair with no legs and he shared a meal with him.
I kid you not as God is with me, I started bawling about the love and great care these 2 had for one another. What joy of the mercy of God. These 2 men are much richer than I am or ever will be.

There was this homeless guy looking for food at our parish which we do keep in stock at the front of the church. A parishoner yelled at him and said that food goes to the shelter. He came to me and I heard this, and was saddened, and I gave him $2--nothing. He said please keep it to feed your child. I said: "No. Take it and thank God not me."

Answer 2

I know... I'm not a Christian... but I'll tell you how I deal with beggars, anyway.

Gut instinct.

If they can seriously convince me they're in need, I'll buy them a fast-food meal, at the nearest joint to their location.

Otherwise... no handouts. And I totally blow off any that don't strike me JUST right.

When I managed some health clubs in Southern California, I would offer jobs to the "Will work for food" types. All but one came up with a dozen or more excuses as to why they "couldn't" work for a paycheck. The one that took me up on it, actually was a good employee, and ended up getting an apartment with a co-worker, and eventually moving on to a better paying job after about 10 months at the health club.
I offered legitimate paycheck jobs to at LEAST 150 beggars. 1 took me up on the offer.

I don't give money to beggars. Ever. I might feed one, or give one a job, but I don't hand money to them.

Answer 3

This is what the Bible teaches about charity for the poor:

Ps 41:1
To the Chief Musician. A Psalm of David. Blessed is he who considers the poor; The Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.

De 15:11
For the poor will never cease from the land; therefore I command you, saying, 'You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor and your needy, in your land.'

1Sa 2:7
The Lord makes poor and makes rich; He brings low and lifts up.
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When you think you are too poor to help others in need read:

Mark 12:41-45
Jesus went over to the collection box in the Temple and sat and watched as the crowds dropped in their money. Many rich people put in large amounts. Then a poor widow came and dropped in two pennies. He called his disciples to him and said, "I assure you, this poor widow has given more than all the others have given. For they gave a tiny part of their surplus, but she, poor as she is, has given everything she has."
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The LORD takes a dim view of those that don't help God's poor . . . and don't worry if who you help is "really" in need or not, that's not your concern the LORD will take care of a cheat and liar.

God Bless You

Answer 4

I find the best way is instead of giving money to the beggars directly, you can donate to a local charity that helps street people. Then you know that they're getting the help they need, and it won't go to drugs or alcohol. Sometimes these charities help people to get jobs or get counselling, etc. So I feel that's the best option.

Although it is definatley hard to just walk past. I always feel a little bad, but when I know there's places they can go to get help, then it's really their choice to live that way. You can pray for them too, and for the people that work with the charities to help them out.

Answer 5

Give them a few bucks and be on your way. Give to those who are cold and hungry and homeless. Doesn't matter what they do with the money afterwords. If you dont feel comfortable giving money, go buy "Happy Meals" for them. Or better yet carry gift cards from places such as McDonalds, and Carl's Jr and give those out.

There is a verse in Hebrews 13:2 Basically it says to be careful of who you entertain for you know not who they are. They could be angels or Jesus in disguise

Answer 6

When I was eighteen, my mom had had enough of my crap...so she kicked me out. For more than a month, I was completely homeless. I spent nights at friends' houses when I could, and squatted in abandoned buildings downtown when I couldn't. During that time, I met a LOT of homeless people, needless to say. And MOST of them were homeless by choice. I saw lots of drugs (mostly crack, coke, crank, and heroin), prostitution, Hepatitis C, people sharing needles (I wasn't into that crap), unsafe sex...you name it.

I met maybe, MAYBE three people who actually WANTED more out of life.

It's not calloused. It's called reality. I NEVER give beggars money...but I WILL buy them something to eat, and I WILL give them the sweater off my back. Literally.

Answer 7

I live close to Atlanta so I know what you are talking about. In those cases I help people like that out when I can, but the main point is that if you help them out God sees it. Now what that person chooses to do with it is on them. They will have to answer for that! So if you have extra help them out if you feel convicted!

Answer 8

I know most of the beggars in my town, and they are begging for money to buy beer or cigarettes. I never give them money. I will offer to buy them something to eat or a soft drink, but never money. A few times, I have given a woman a ride if it's daylight and she isn't drunk or high.

They are using the Lord's name in vain when they use it to beg.

Answer 9

I have a memory of walking down the street in Honolulu with my parents and some other adults that were in our "group."

We passed a begger. A man in our group, upon being accosted, remarked, "I will pray for you."

The beggar looked insulted. I remember the expression. Now I know perfectly well how to treat them.

Answer 10

Not every homeless person is looking for money to buy booze. That being said, if you don't feel comfortable giving them change you could always go and buy a cup of coffee for them or a meal.