Giving the Right Way

When we are evaluating whether or not to give to the homeless or the poor we need to be discerning. If we do not "vet" the homeless and needy, making sure they are not on drugs or alcohol, or homeless by choice because they are lazy.

As an organization, just passing out stuff to anyone is not wise, nor is it Biblical. When we pass out things without evaluating the situation we are merely attempting to make ourselves feel good about giving rather than really showing concern for those in need.

The ridiculous way the city of Portland is handling the homeless is placing a terrible burden on neighborhoods where families reside. These families have children who cannot play in their neighborhoods freely without worry. The homeless in the area urinate on their properties, leave drug needles and other paraphernalia lying around and even approach passers by begging while acting hostile when anyone says no to them. These are not homeless families who happen to be down on their luck, they are people generally who have dropped out of life due to terrible choices. Their greatest need is the Gospel of Christ and instruction in how to get out of their condition.

I am all for feeding someone who approaches me. I never give money but would buy them a sandwich or something to eat. Most people who are homeless in our region are going to waste money on drugs or booze.

2 Thessalonians 3:9-11 "…9 Not that we lack this right, but we wanted to offer ourselves as an example for you to imitate. 10 For even while we were with you, we gave you this command: “If anyone is unwilling to work, he shall not eat.” 11 Yet we hear that some of you are leading undisciplined lives and accomplishing nothing but being busybodies."…

I have met lots of people who refuse to accept help to clean up their lives but will take anything free they can get their hands on. I also know those who don't need the handout but take it because it is free. We need to be asking questions and directing people to the proper help, not just handing out free stuff because it makes us feel good.

It's easy to hand things out, it is more difficult to offer assistance in the form of training that will bring them a lifestyle of success. Unfortunately most homeless don't want to be helped in this way.

When we depend on the Holy Spirit to guide us in our giving, then it will be pleasing to Him. We want to be generous and loving but we want to do it wisely, God's way.

A wise man once said, "give a man a fish and he eats for one day, teach him to fish and he eats for a lifetime."