Is it bad to help people that are in need at Christmas?

Question

I am a member of a Christian homeschool group and have asked for their help in obtaining used items to help this single mother of 6 have a Christmas for her family. I have purchased items and have received quite a few gifts (used) from them and now I feel that I am being scrutinized for helping this family all because I was sent a message from another member in regards to where she could drop items off. I am not asking for others to help in wrapping these gifts or anything. So why is it that I am feeling this way? I am just trying to help this family out and not taking for myself. This family is in legitimate need. So why is it when someone tries to help another individual they are scrutinized for the act of kindness that another wants to do. What would you do in this situation?

I am at a loss as to how to react to this and why I am feeling this way. I don't understand all of this because as a Christian you are a giving soul and should have a heart to want better for others.

Answer 1

It's very kind of you. I don't see why anyone would have an issue with it at all. It's only a positive thing all the way around.

Answer 2

This has happened to me just recently when some members of our church were helping a homeless lady out of their own pocket and some nasty rumors started about how church money was being used, and the woman possibly being a drug addict (none of these things were true, and we were not giving her money, but providing shelter and transportation for her until she could find a job, which she did and is now doing fine).. We confronted the people spreading the rumors and they stopped. Haven`t had problems since.

Perhaps they are jealouse or want others to be as uncaring as they are (trust me, know a few people like that). If this is the case, just ignore them and do what you need to do. Let them know if they are in a desparate situation like this family is, they can let their needs be known and perhaps those who can help will help.

It could also be a misunderstanding as well, perhaps the others didn`t understand the need this family is in. If this is the case, some explaining may need to be done to the people in question.

Either way, if you feel you are being scrutinized, do be up front about it and ask those who are questioning you what their reasons are.

Answer 3

Don't feel bad. What you are doing is good. Christmas is a time of giving not receiving and people tend to forget about that.
There are people out there who believe that the needy got where they are for being too greedy or did something bad as if they were all convicts. But they aren't all like that, some just made bad decisions or just unlucky like investing their life savings in a project that didn't go so well or lost a job and no longer can afford a home. Some don't have families they can rely on for help or have no families at all. I should know I sometimes volunteer at the local homeless shelter.
Never doubt the things you believe in and always keep faith.

Answer 4

Dear You are such nice and kind person and others always do this against you because they get hurt a lot and they don't believe anymore there anyone can do something for free? so all what you can do to remember as a Christian you are not alone so please try to deny your self and religion when you help. don't say as this we have heart because that means the others didn't:). I'm sure you didn't realize this mistake and you are a good girl:), and remember whatever you do good it will come back to you someday and you do all as seek of God.. so you did your job and you don't wait even anyone to thank you a bout it because will do more for you? isn't enough what you get already from god as gifts?so keep doing the nice things and what you feel is normal and i guess you are still young and this like life door opened for you and you will start to realize what you learn at school or university is totally different that what life going to show you. wish all the best and keep and keep and keep doing the right things you feel as human
you must do it and don't care about what others or even some times what you feel bad because this the devil "Satan" come to you and let you feel that too to stop doing the good things

Answer 5

Maybe this family or person has been in need of help before and has not helped themselves...
Im not saying that they shouldnt be helped. But at some point people need to learn to fend for themselves.
Maybe your feeling so poorly because deep down you think that you shouldnt be helping.
And maybe the people you are asking to help you help this family in need, are having hard times, but now feel pressure to put what little resources they have into helping someone else.
Or maybe they are just jelous that you are so compassionate, and they arent.
Could be one of many things.
Personally I think that you have to take care of your own family before you can help others.
I think you need to do some soul searching to find out where your feelings are comming from. Because as a christian, you should understand that not everyone will agree with you, and if you feel you are just and right, that shouldnt matter.

Answer 6

Well what you're doing is a good thing and it's your own thing so why they finna care?

It would help if you could have some back-up from some sort of official/authority from the homeschool group.

I'm actually proud to say that I got one lady caught for going door to door after Katrina claiming to be with a relief organization. Over 2 days she had collected over $5000 and I called the police, they picked her up 30 minutes later 3 blocks away

Answer 7

It's not bad to help people in need during Christmas. What is wrong is when we stop helping after Christmas. We Christians should not also stop doing good to people for the fear that we might me criticized by others. Don't take it as your problem, it is their problem if they see it in a different way. Remember that on the day of reckoning, we all will not be judged by these people but the Lord our God.
Ma-ayong Pasko! ("Merry Christmas " here in the Philippines)

Answer 8

This is not a perfect world and when you try to stand out and want to be perfect, thats something people cant digest. But remember hardship comes only in the way of truth and perfection. Now that you are experiencing hardship, you should realize that your are in right path and keep it going the same way. Just dont listen to what others say.

May be God is putting you through this stress to make you more mature and perfect. You certainly going to get satisfation out of life.

Answer 9

If it makes you happy and fills your heart with joy, then it is right. All others are being that way because they didn't come up with the idea first. Some people who claim to be Christians are so judge mental, makes you wonder what book they live by.

Answer 10

I am sponsoring a family this year too and it has brought a lot of warmth into my heart. Don't worry too much about that other person, its natural for people to be suspicious. This time of year a lot of unscrupulous people try to take advantage by asking for donations of toys and things then turning around and selling that stuff on eBay and like sites. If that person is uncomfortable donating to your cause, tell them that you understand about their suspicions and that they can donate, instead, to Toys for Tots or a like charity. Merry Christmas!