11:18 AM - Oct. 12, 2008 - post comment

I think...

Instead of giving that money directly to the homeless, I have a better idea...

Give it to Feed Your Faith...get a tax write...allow us to have a loud Christian rock concert or a Kirk Cameron event... then let us give that money away to homeless ministries that can make it make a difference!!!

What could be better then that!?!?!?

Mike Williams

Anonymous - 4:48 PM - Oct. 12, 2008

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For the most part...

we tend to get whatever it is the person says they need. $$ for gas? Sure, follow us to the gas station and we'll fill your tank, or we'll bring the gas to you. Also, most of the time I don't carry cash. If I did, would I give? I guess it just depends on the person.

Regarding your "...unless they are addicted to crack" line... somehow I just don't see Christ encouraging us to give the guy money if it is likely he will use it to harm himself or someone else. (I suspect that He would offer the drunkard a solution instead of a glass of wine.) I believe that He would encourage us to do what we can to help the addict recover and find Him. I would much rather give a sandwich and information about an addiction recovery center than $$. Of course... I carry sandwiches around about as often as I carry cash.

One last thought, if I lived in Asheville, I would have a dozen sandwiches and pamphlets with me all the time. Last time I was in downtown I was asked for money every 10 feet or so.

TheMonkeyParade - 12:43 AM - Oct. 14, 2008

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Good question

I've stressed over this one. I worked in downtown L.A. for years and was solicited probably hundreds of times.

But in the end, I figured my obligation was to give. The recipients obligation is to use the money appropriately. I'm sure I've been "taken." But I don't have to answer for that -- the Taker does. Usually when you hand the money over, you have to hide some tears, thinking how blessed you are to have the luxury of giving instead of begging. Nothing bestows gratitude like the gift of giving.

So hand it out, and count your blessings one by one! :D

QueenTeamX365 - 9:45 PM - Nov. 1, 2008

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give to those who ask...

I always try to give to those who ask. The verse that you give as an example is my very reasoning--as a matter of fact, I believe the instruction is that if someone asks for your shirt, you're to give them your coat, too, giftwrapped. I have a strong belief that if I do what I'm told to do, the rest will work out just as it's supposed to. I believe that if I refuse to give when asked, I remove the opportunity for the Holy Spirit to work in the person's life.

denice - 7:25 PM - Nov. 22, 2008

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