Beggers on the street

[Sm412]

This is a tough one. I feel that if they use my money to buy drugs, that is on them, not me. I generally ask them what exactly they need and get it for them. But sometimes I will give cash. In my mind, I gave and did the right thing. At that point it's up to them to do the right thing. Also, I wouldn't be wary if they have a cell phone. In today's world, cell phones ARE a necessity. I use mine to look for work, communicate with my employer and my school, arrange for benefits, communicate with my family and church, check email, and other such vital tasks. In using it right now to post here.

So yes, I do give money sometimes. What they do with it is on them. It's not on me or my conscience, but theirs. If they use my kindness for drugs, they have to live with that. The way I see it, if I play the game of trying to differentiate between the genuine and ungenuine, I will end up withholding from someone who really needs it. Does that make sense?

With that said, if you're wary of supplying a drug habit, as others have said in nearly every community which deals with homelessness there are an abundance of charities and non profits that seek to help them. Giving to them may be a better idea.

 

[devin553344]

I know the bible says to help others but don't tell anyone but I wanna make a point.

If I see I homeless person, I give them some cash if I can but I know not all of them are genuine. Often when I give someone something it feels right but sometimes I get this feeling of regret because I think they weren't actually homeless. Obviously I can't give to every homeless person I see but how do I know who to give to. Sometimes I just walk past them and I feel bad but what if they're not genuine and I give my money to someone when someone else needed it more. Do you give money to homeless people and beggers?

My nieces dad was homeless for years and years. I started helping him by feeding him, letting him sleep on my couch, and take showers. I don't really give to the homeless because I'm so poor I just can't spare anything, but a little food for my nieces dad was alright.

We have this homeless guy that sits on the corner up my street. And he sits there with a sign in one hand saying he just needs a little help, and a Stack Beer in the other hand drinking. No shame what so ever. And people are always giving him money

 

[Lost4words]

Give to a homeless shelter instead. At least then you will be helping many people. I dont give money to the homeless. Sometimes food etc.

 

[friend of]

I tend to live by Matthew 5:42

If I am asked for something usually cash I tend to give it. If there is a store selling food I offer the buy something. I surely have been duped, but I just go back to the verse "give to all who ask"

 

[seeking.IAM]

Why do homeless sleep in doorways and on top of steam grates? Because some don't want to go to a shelter. Maybe its pride. Maybe it's for safety. Maybe they don't want to sit through the chapel service to get a meal and a bed. Maybe they wouldn't follow the rules and got kicked out. Regardless of the reason, those people need help, too. My church is 5 blocks from a shelter yet we have homeless living in our covered doorway.

So I give to people that ask. I think if you have to humble yourself to ask for money you must need it pretty badly. I give to charities, but I also give to people. It's not up to me to decide what a person spends money on. I think it is judgmental and a bit holier-than-thou to presume the person in front of you wants beer, cigarettes, or drugs. They may or they may not but they have to eat sometime.

But most of all, I choose to be careful lest I deny Jesus. Matthew 25:44-45.

 

[dms1972]

I know the bible says to help others but don't tell anyone but I wanna make a point.

If I see I homeless person, I give them some cash if I can but I know not all of them are genuine. Often when I give someone something it feels right but sometimes I get this feeling of regret because I think they weren't actually homeless. Obviously I can't give to every homeless person I see but how do I know who to give to. Sometimes I just walk past them and I feel bad but what if they're not genuine and I give my money to someone when someone else needed it more. Do you give money to homeless people and beggers?

I sometimes drop a few coins in a cup if they have one, and sometimes walk on by. Recently there has been a few people sitting in our city centre near were the buses take on and let of passengers. Its not a sheltered area. But there are thousands of commuters and shoppers passing through this area each day. I don't know if they are genuine homeless or not. Its hard to tell. Others seem to seek more out of the way spots. If I see someone asleep in a doorway I pretty much can tell they are really homeless. I decided to set up a monthly donation to Salvation Army as they provide beds for homeless folk and meals for elderly.

 

[Blade]

If I am in town.. I would not give someone a ride. On the freeway.. yes. Homeless.. please.. there are what about 340,000 in the USA. There are so many places one can go to get help.

Now..when it comes to helping ..we help them.. we keep helping them so they are back on there feet. What you find is MOST do not what to get back on there feet. They are happy where they are at. NOT ALL...

Give from your heart.. period. Well Hes not going to judge you condemn you if you do or never give a dime. The Christian will

 

[seeking.IAM]

For many years it was our tradition to take our family to Chicago on their Spring Break from school. My oldest was 8 or 9. We had just left a restaurant where he hadn't finished his meal when we got panhandled. Before I could get words out of my mouth, I saw his little arms outstretched offering the man in front of us his Styrofoam carryout box. I could not have been more proud. And a little child shall lead them.

 

[Yarddog]

I know the bible says to help others but don't tell anyone but I wanna make a point.

If I see I homeless person, I give them some cash if I can but I know not all of them are genuine. Often when I give someone something it feels right but sometimes I get this feeling of regret because I think they weren't actually homeless. Obviously I can't give to every homeless person I see but how do I know who to give to. Sometimes I just walk past them and I feel bad but what if they're not genuine and I give my money to someone when someone else needed it more. Do you give money to homeless people and beggers?

I don't give money but will buy them food or a coat, etc. I'm worried money will be used for drugs, cigarettes, alcohol, etc..

 

[Danielwright2311]

I know the bible says to help others but don't tell anyone but I wanna make a point.

If I see I homeless person, I give them some cash if I can but I know not all of them are genuine. Often when I give someone something it feels right but sometimes I get this feeling of regret because I think they weren't actually homeless. Obviously I can't give to every homeless person I see but how do I know who to give to. Sometimes I just walk past them and I feel bad but what if they're not genuine and I give my money to someone when someone else needed it more. Do you give money to homeless people and beggers?

God said to give to any one who asked, any one, not just beggars, every one.

If some one asked me for something, and no matter who they are, after I give it I say I was just holding what was already yours.

If some one robs me, I was just holding it for them.

If they con me, I was just holding it for them.

If they lie to me or use me I was just holding it for them.

Human life that God created is more important then money as money is man made but humans are Gods creation.

 

[ViaCrucis]

I know the bible says to help others but don't tell anyone but I wanna make a point.

If I see I homeless person, I give them some cash if I can but I know not all of them are genuine. Often when I give someone something it feels right but sometimes I get this feeling of regret because I think they weren't actually homeless. Obviously I can't give to every homeless person I see but how do I know who to give to. Sometimes I just walk past them and I feel bad but what if they're not genuine and I give my money to someone when someone else needed it more. Do you give money to homeless people and beggers?

Christ says that if someone asks for our jacket to give them our shirt as well.

Even if the person isn't genuine--they are deceiving you and don't need help--you haven't done anything wrong in giving.

I would rather give to someone who doesn't need then to not give at all. If a person deceives another in seeming needy, God will ultimately deal with them in His own time, as we all must one day stand before the Throne of Judgment. I would rather, on that Day, be found to have given as I was commanded, then have withheld out of fear of being deceived.

Do I always give to every one I see or who asks, no; sometimes I literally have nothing on me to give, and sometimes it's just sometimes because I feel I don't have the time, or I simply don't want to--and I have no excuses or justifications for when I don't but could. I am a sinner, I fail and fail often. God have mercy on me, Lord forgive me.

-CryptoLutheran

 

[Bruce Leiter]

I know the bible says to help others but don't tell anyone but I wanna make a point.

If I see I homeless person, I give them some cash if I can but I know not all of them are genuine. Often when I give someone something it feels right but sometimes I get this feeling of regret because I think they weren't actually homeless. Obviously I can't give to every homeless person I see but how do I know who to give to. Sometimes I just walk past them and I feel bad but what if they're not genuine and I give my money to someone when someone else needed it more. Do you give money to homeless people and beggers?

I don't give to them directly. I give to dependable organizations that help them get out of their homeless situation. One news report said that one "homeless" person who begged from cars on corners made $66,000 dollars last year and actually had a home to live in. Another responsible thing to do is take them to a motel or a restaurant, depending on their need, and pay for their stay or meal so that your money doesn't turn into booze.

 

[dms1972]

.

 

[dms1972]

Christ says that if someone asks for our jacket to give them our shirt as well.

Even if the person isn't genuine--they are deceiving you and don't need help--you haven't done anything wrong in giving.

I would rather give to someone who doesn't need then to not give at all. If a person deceives another in seeming needy, God will ultimately deal with them in His own time, as we all must one day stand before the Throne of Judgment. I would rather, on that Day, be found to have given as I was commanded, then have withheld out of fear of being deceived.

Do I always give to every one I see or who asks, no; sometimes I literally have nothing on me to give, and sometimes it's just sometimes because I feel I don't have the time, or I simply don't want to--and I have no excuses or justifications for when I don't but could. I am a sinner, I fail and fail often. God have mercy on me, Lord forgive me.

-CryptoLutheran

Was Christ talking about beggars, I think it refers to being sued in the particular instance of if someone asks for your tunic (an inner garment), give them your cloak (an outer garment) also. In any case I don't know too many people who would do that (giving away shirt also). I am not sure I would if I am honest. The only thing I recall was in a story about Nicky Cruz, the minister Davy Wilkinson took off his shoes in the street and gave them to a homeless bum.

 

[dms1972]

God said to give to any one who asked, any one, not just beggars, every one.

If some one asked me for something, and no matter who they are, after I give it I say I was just holding what was already yours.

If some one robs me, I was just holding it for them.

If they con me, I was just holding it for them.

If they lie to me or use me I was just holding it for them.

Human life that God created is more important then money as money is man made but humans are Gods creation.

What about if someone steals your car? Are we never to report a theft?

What do you mean "it was already theirs". no it wasn't, it belonged to you unless you had borrowed it from them.

 

[ColinJesusboy28]

I volunteer at a GoodWill and see Homeless people come in a lot who live around the store. It's heart breaking for sure.
If I hand someone cash like a five dollar bill or something, there will always be that wonder if they will buy cigarettes or alcohol but I tell myself that if he or she were my friend I would probably give them the money anyway. I look forward to the new earth where all of us are clothed, fed, and have shelter...AMEN!

 

[Danielwright2311]

What about if someone steals your car? Are we never to report a theft?

What do you mean "it was already theirs". no it wasn't, it belonged to you unless you had borrowed it from them.

No, its theirs, period, if I gave it to them its theirs, if they take it from me, its theirs.

No, we don't report anything stolen, we listen to Jesus who is perfect and said.

If any one uses you, asked from you or steals from you give to them, forgive them and pray for them.

As God forgives you and loves you for your own sins, is God going to report you for your sins to the local authority? no.

 

[DreamerOfTheHeart]

I know the bible says to help others but don't tell anyone but I wanna make a point.

If I see I homeless person, I give them some cash if I can but I know not all of them are genuine. Often when I give someone something it feels right but sometimes I get this feeling of regret because I think they weren't actually homeless. Obviously I can't give to every homeless person I see but how do I know who to give to. Sometimes I just walk past them and I feel bad but what if they're not genuine and I give my money to someone when someone else needed it more. Do you give money to homeless people and beggers?

I have brought homeless people into my own home.

Probably, around, ten times, over the years. Most were complete strangers, when I was a bachelor. Two were families, one was sister of my wife. The other were a family we were friends with.

'Treat strangers with hospitality, for by doing so some have shown hospitality to angels in disguise.'

Very true story.

Some who are panhandling are trying to obtain more money then they need, and are not actually homeless. Some who do this are trying to obtain more money then they need, and are a part of a group. They will punish other homeless if they try and 'work their corner'.

You have to take it as it comes. I usually go by how they look, whether they look like they are sincere, or if they are playing some kind of game.

Nowadays, you often use cards everywhere, and do not carry cash. So, I take out cash specifically for the homeless.

It is, generally, one of the best good deeds you can do. And their praise to God when you do it, is as genuine as praise of God as people can give.

 

[dms1972]

Anyone else have any thoughts on whether if you have something stolen (I mean something significant like a car) one should report the theft to the police, or just let it go and say it now belongs to the individual who took it? Does Jesus teach this? I see him teaching people to give to beggars who ask. Of course one might choose to let a theft go, which would be merciful. But not everyone who steals is hungry or homeless, sometimes crooks steal a car to commit a further crime.

 

[A_Thinker]

What about if someone steals your car? Are we never to report a theft?

What do you mean "it was already theirs". no it wasn't, it belonged to you unless you had borrowed it from them.

Yeah ... I though that was kind of stretching it ...