Should We Give Money To The Poor As Christians

I've been mulling this over for a while now and have been torn near the thought of giving money directly to the poor. Don't go me incorrect, I really try to exist generous and assist others, simply I tin't assist but think these questions when I'm giving directly to someone on the streets:

Are they really in need?
What will they use the money for?
Volition money help them become ahead or simply cause go along them on their aforementioned path?

That's my homo side showing. I remember information technology'south natural to think these things and to try to rationalize situations that put us in a hard situation – wondering whether it's right to give or not to requite.

As I began to think it over further, I realized that making a strict decision Non to give to those in need considering of these questions is Non the correct movement. Nor is it right to give to every person who is holding up a sign request for coin.

So How Do Yous Know When To Give?

Studying the Word of God will shape our hearts and align our thoughts with His, so the beginning step is to: Know The Word

Proverbs 3:27says:
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when information technology is in your power to do it.

Observe this poetry doesn't mention money. That doesn't mean we're exempt from giving money directly to those in demand. The point is to make an attempt to sympathise their need and to help them encounter it. That might mean nutrient, shelter, article of clothing, or financial assistance.

Put reason aside and don't laissez passer judgment. It's easy to jump dorsum to those questions that plague our heed, which often keep united states from giving. When you see someone in need and tin can help him or her, reflect back on that verse and do what you tin can to aid.

Actively await for means to aid. If you're actually wanting to exist more generous and the idea of giving money to the first person that asks is difficult to take, try being more than proactive with your giving. I suppose at that place tin exist an entire commodity (or book!) nearly ways to give, but the underlying point is to encourage an mental attitude of giving that will assist you best notice ways to meet the needs of others when information technology'southward in your power to do and so.

I may be the only one who struggles with this hesitation to give directly to the poor, only my attitude is reshaping every bit I constantly remind myself of what I shared above.

What exercise you remember about giving direct to the poor? What's the best approach to take?

Last Edited: 10th February 2014 The content of biblemoneymatters.com is for general data purposes just and does non constitute professional advice. Visitors to biblemoneymatters.com should not deed upon the content or information without first seeking advisable professional person communication. In accordance with the latest FTC guidelines, nosotros declare that we have a financial relationship with every company mentioned on this site.

Tim is a personal finance writer at Religion and Finance a Christian financial help blog that provides financial insights for individuals, businesses, and churches. Outside of finance, Tim enjoys spending time with his wife, playing the saxophone, reading economics books, and a good game of RISK or Catan. Find him on Twitter and Facebook.