Am I doing the right thing?

Question

I did something that has been on my conscience for a while. I think this is how Jesus wants me to resolve it. Here's what happened:

I was walking to the sporting goods shop after school last Friday to get the red Dwyane Wade jersey that I always wanted. It's $20. When I got to the plaza, a homeless man in his fifties approached me. He told me he hadn't eaten for 4 days and asked for money. I had a 20 dollar bill and 65 cents.

The bank wouldn't let me split the 20 because I'm 13 and my parents weren't with me. Besides, if I did, I wouldn't have $20 anymore. In the end, I just gave him 65 cents. I think I should have been more generous. I could easily wait a couple more days to buy that jersey.

He later saw me walk out of the store, so he knew I had more money than that. I felt really guilty. He and I also had a chat about Jesus, and we prayed together. That makes me feel even worse because he knows I'm a Christian, but I didn't give my all for him the way Jesus would have done.

My parents think I did the right thing, but I still feel selfish. 65 cents is very little. I prayed about it all week, and I think that Jesus has given me an inspiration. He told me to wait a while before I wear the jersey. He tole me to wait until I see the man again, then give him at least a dollar the next time he asks, then start wearing it.

Angie B, we weren't alone. It was a pretty big plaza, and a lot of people go there. It was also at 3 pm, so it should be pretty safe.

Answer 1

You are an extremely warmed hearted person. Don't feel guilty at all these homeless people collect quite a bit throughout the day and your 65 cents may have been little to you but I'm sure it was much more to him. The homeless are in the position their in because of nobody but themselves. This is a world full of equal opportunity. If I gave money to every unfortunate person I ran into, I'd never have any money for my own bills.

Answer 2

You are only 13 for one thing it is great that you were willing to give this person your attention and spent time with him. But you are only 13 and what in the world are you doing talking with an older person you didn't know, you should know better. with all the dangers we here about today you need to understand that. Pray for him when you are alone in your house or as you are walking away, but do not ever put yourself in that position again. Ask your parents to go back with you and give him some food or money. Now go out and play, A lot of kids unfortunatly feel they are safe untill it is to late

I am sure that 18 year old girl felt safe when she was leaving the target store, You really can't be to carefull he might not haved been homeless just using that as a way to lure some child. I am a christian and do believe what you did was nice, but I am also a mom and would not want my child to do that.

Answer 3

I'm an agnostic, but as far as I can see that you regret not helping more, and want to go back, is more then enough to qualify you as a good person. If you must do something (and you sound like you care) then I would suggest taking him some hot food and drink, and perhaps talking about what happened last time. If you think he would spend the money on something bad for him, then perhaps buy him something useful like a jacket or blanket. I know the homeless where I live appreciate such things, and it makes sure they're warm on winter nights.
So I don't have a book or faith to back it up, but I highly respect those who show compassion to others, yourself included. Good on you

Answer 4

Is he someone you might see there again? Then take some money, go back, and see if he's there.

Perhaps tell him that (assuming at your age your parents gave you the money) it wasn't your money to give away, but you felt bad so you came back.

Or, if not money, perhaps take something else like a warm meal and a couple bottles of water or coffee/tea.

If he's not there, then perhaps donating ten or twenty to a local homeless shelter would help you clear your conscious.

Answer 5

the best way to figure it out is this: What would you have wanted to receive if you were the homeless man? Also, what if that man were and angel in disguise? Take the jacket back and get a refund and find that man and give him $20. I am glad you felt bad, that shows you have a conscience. If you can't make it up to him this time, try to learn from it, Remember: when you bless someone, God blesses you even more.

Answer 6

You were faced with a hard test for someone of your age and how admirable it would have been had you given him the 20 dollars instead, you would not be feeling as you do now,so next time just follow what your good conscience tells you and not your head.

Answer 7

I don't believe you helped either this person or the society you live in by giving him money. $20 won't solve his problems any more than 65 cents.

Answer 8

what is great about all this is that God revealed your heart. YOU CARE about righteousness! that is a very rare thing is the world. keep up the good work! and if you have that scenario again come up, you will have the wisdom to make the right choice. as for me i would have given him the 65 and then given him what i could the next time i saw him and the next time do it again. over and over and over to the point of them not needing to ask but that i see needs and take care of them. it is not so much how much you give but that you give to those who ask of you. great job duder!!!

Answer 9

A 13 year old Christian, Praise God! I am proud of you and thank God that you are sensitive to His Spirit in you. You have not done anything wrong. Jesus is training you to listen to Him and obey Him and I know He is pleased with you. Do what you believe He is telling you to do because it is obedience to the little tests that prepare you to obey the bigger and harder tests that are to come.

Great job and continue to serve the Lord .

Answer 10

i don't know about all that conversation with jesus. but personally i don't usually give homeless people more than a couple of dollars. good to give them money yes, not good to be stupid about it(giving them more than a few dollars). now if you think God is telling you to give more, that is your business. but this is just my opinion.