I'm the type of person who would gladly give anyone the shirt off my back. I always have been. I am all too familiar with poverty and doing without and my soul aches when I see someone in need.
But I am also the type of person to act without thinking. This has, on many occasions, resulted in a dangerous mix.
With the current decline of the economy and the hardships people are now facing, I have the tendency to be a little TOO Charitable. I forget that sometimes "Showing someone How to catch a fish, is Much better than giving a fish to them."
The desire to help others should be one of the fundamental elements of our makeup. But we should always use wisdom in making decisions as too "HOW" we are going to help.
THINGS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GIVING MONEY:
- Has this person shown a repeated misuse of their resources?
- Do they project a constant "pity me" attitude instead of seeking ways to improve their condition?
- Does this person consistently fall back into the same routine after being helped?
- Is this person suffering from addiction? Alcohol, Gambling, Drugs or Frivolous Lifestyle
If the answer is "Yes", then perhaps taking the time to help them understand the cause(s) of their misfortune would be a greater help than simply handing over cash. In these instances: The greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches but to reveal to him his own. ~Benjamin Disraeli
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN GIVING MONEY:
- Is this person in a situation which they have no control?
- Will the money you give have a lasting or long-term benefit?
- Does your heart tell you that the money you give will be used wisely?
If the answer is "Yes", then give all that you are able. These are times when a little financial support can actually turn a person's life around.
"Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it" Proverbs 3:27
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN GIVING:
Food, Water, Clothing, Shelter, Transportation are all necessary in this and every age. These are life's staples and should never be denied. The man on the street corner with a sign saying "Will Work for Food", if you're able, stop and offer to take him to the grocery.
Bake a pie and take to the elderly lady down the road. Donate last years garments to a Mission serving the poor. There are many ways to give.
SOMETIMES IT JUST FEELS GOOD:
Then there are times when you just feel compelled to give, then by ALL MEANS, give all you can. There are forces in this world that we don't understand, sometimes our Spirit (subconscious) is more in tune with these forces, and denying aid to someone in these instances not only hardens our hearts but causes others unnecessary distress.
Acts 20:35
"In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive' "
I hope each and everyone of you have a
Wonderful and Joyous Holiday Season.
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Dear Gary,
Thank you for a great blog. You shine such a light and I'm blessed to know you.
I'd like to tell you a story. Over 20 years ago I picked up a handicapped man who had a sign asking for help to get him back to Michigan. He was stranded by friends somehow. He was hungry, tired and dirty. I brought him to my church. The church I attended then had several full food pantries and furnished apartments for the needy. The church helped this man get home.
Afterward I was brought into the Pastors office where he and the elders berrated me for picking up this stranger. They mentioned concern for my safety but they also mentioned that the pantry and apartments were for church members. That opened my eyes. I looked at them and told them that I didn't see anywhere in the Bible that there were pre-requisites for giving to others in need. I also explained that quite possibly I am not the only member of the church that realized that there were and maybe next Sunday's sermon should enlighten everyone on this fact. I left and never attended that church or became a member of a church since then.
I don't know that man's story and never asked him. People in need should be treated with dignity too and I felt if he wanted to tell me I would listen but he was not beholden to me for an explanation. I could have handed him money and left him on the street but when there were bulging food pantry and empty spaces he could use to get clean, sleep, etc which would greatly improve his morale I jumped on it.
He never knew what the church elders and pastor said to me thankfully and he got home safe. That was my goal after all.
Too often we judge people by looks and cleanliness. I hope your beautiful blog will motivate others who are in a position to help.
Cleaning for the elderly costs nothing. Hanging Christmas lights, yard work, lots of ways to give with love.
Don't let jaded people hinder you from paying it forward.
Deb