(Proverbs 28:27 KJV) He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.
We have just come through the Salvation Army Bell Ringer Season. A few Grinch Stores banned them but I still saw them around. I have a hard time walking by one of their kettles without putting something in. That is because I believe they are a worthy cause.
The believer “gives” (5414) to the “poor” (7326). This is an assumption. Being generous is one of the traits of a Christian. Sharing should be second nature.
My only qualification would be to try to discern who is really poor. Look for what used to be called the “worthy” poor. They are usually hard to find because they are not standing on street corners with their hand out. I don’t qualify giving to excuse us from helping. There are plenty of genuinely needy around. I am just saying that unless your resources are unlimited try to put what you have to the best use.
So? Give. Share. Help. And not just at Christmas time.
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2 comments:
Sunday we drove by a lady holding a sign saying she was homeless. I am suspicious of the sign holders. But, yet I feel like I should help them. I had cash in my pocket from a Saturday hay sale. I felt especially guilty as we were on our way home from church.
I try to give to people whose history I know and I try to do so anonymously. I'm not sure this is a good rationalization but it is the one I use.
If we never give or don't give enough it can be rationalization but I call what you are describing stewardship and discerning. If we have $100 to give and we give it to the con artist then the truly needy will go hungry. I have a hard time feeling guilty about that.
Keep up the discerning stewardship.
Grace and peace.
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