DISQUS

jwagnerdsm · 1 year ago

very good post. Regarding professional beggers, they provide a service by assuaging our guilt about not doing more to help the poor by making it easy to slip 'em a few bucks and then get on with our uncomplicated lives. Just satin'

Andrea · 1 year ago

In those moments I have to think not of the earthly person "begging" but of the Heavenly Father who for whatever reason has allowed them to cross my path that day. For me to keep driving (and I sometimes do) would move me one step further from being the life of love that I so desire to live. Whether they need it or not is none of my concern. If those who have helped me in the past withheld their kindness because I wasn't completely in the depths of life, I would have slept in my car more, eaten alone at home more and missed so many amazing God moments where he shapes me through the kindness of others. So I will continue to stop, and not just give money but try and meet the genuine need of the person. I will buy them food and water, give them a hug and a smile and let them know that whether they need it or not, they are not just forgotten by the world.

Dave Sandell · 1 year ago

I used to have similar struggles with this issue, and after much soul-searching, I think what's most important is that I believe Jesus works with your heart's intent. So if you give the beggar with a cigarette $5, you've given Jesus $5. You've still taken care of your corner of the kingdom, you know?