It's tough when you live in a city where every single corner has a person on it begging. But I agree... most of the time I just give it and thank God that I had it to give. Their has been some times where I have been able to meet REAL needs by listening to God but I've been taken advantage of a lot more. As Christian's it seems like the right thing to do is allow ourselves to be vulnerable sometimes.
When I was about 17-18, I wasn't a believer and things were not good in my home so I would hangout with people living on the streets. Most of the money they beg for goes towards drugs, alcohol or weapons. One guy I knew got some money, bought a knife and stabbed some other guy. They were fighting over a girl. They showed me places where they could go get food, clothing, shelter, a shower, etc. The people living on the streets know all those resources and where to get what they need. If you want to help them, I think it's better to give to your local shelters, either money or time or clothing. But I am not comfortable giving money to someone who might go buy drugs, alcohol or weapons and harm someone else or themselves.
This seems wise. The pastors assertion that we should give seems to leave out the idea of giving to the organizations that offer true help to the needy.
Good information, but we must remember there are no clauses to the commandment God gives us, to be generous with the poor. I would pray for God to set a specific person on my path, that God wants me to personally help, and I would also pray that the money I give that person, would somehow glorify the Lord. I often wonder/think or even suspect they may spend it on drugs, alcohol, etc, but God said to give, regardless, with no hidden it's and or but's, so I just follow the command. At least I know I followed God's word.
I'm going to quote Piper next time I get caught with someone handcuffed in my boot (trunk). Another thing that can work is taking them into a cafe for some food and try a tract and discussion.
I agree with this approach, as much as I dislike sounding distrustful. I have actually had the opposite experience as a man where on one occasion, a woman asked me to give her a ride somewhere. Since it was not someone I knew personally, I declined, out of not feeling comfortable doing it. In today's world, it is too risky to "just believe in the good of others." In fact, that is a statement no sound Christian should say.
I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to start being mindful of the poor around me. I told Him, I was afraid to carry and hand out cash, and He (the Holy Spirit) said try gift cards to the local grocery store instead. Most of the homeless people in my area are right outside grocery stores so it actually worked out really nicely. $25 gift cards to the store they're right outside of is usually a well-received gift and I feel it enables me to safely be as we the woman described in Proverbs 31:20 "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy."
i feel this is half answered because it does not say to give money, it just says give him who asks of you, it doesn't say what!! When i get asked, yeah i give money sometimes, but i also have found out that if you ask them are they hungry they most always answer yes and so instead of money i cheerfully walk in with them and buy them food and drinks and i feel this was a greater blessing!!
Im so glad John Piper said this,,Were in the richest country in the world and have more clothing and food and luxury items then we know what to do with and yet we sneer at the homeless who lack basic necessities,,,we assume they're lazy or on drugs and THAT is a sin. Most people would rather give their charity to rich corporations than a homeless person who REALLY needs it. They all use the excuse that they MIGHT buy drugs. What a lame excuse to revile the poor.
It’s not an excuse when statistics show most homeless people will in fact spend money on drugs and alcohol. You are not helping someone by paying for their addictions. If you feel burdened to give to individual homeless people I suggest gift cards to nearby food sources (Subway, McDonald’s, etc) though they may trade those as well.
@@SaneNoMoreit's an excuse because a dollar doesn't make or break most most times your buying bullshit with the spare change or loosing in the couch anyway.when people say they use it for drug that's true for most and obvious but Id rather them ask or beg.cause they could resort to robbery and stealing which some do and go to jail or end up hurting someone because of it. You can give five dollars and it would decrease crime. In reality as people the only time and reason we shouldn't give is if we literally couldn't
If only we had real pastors like this! ❤ This man is a hero! Nobody helps nobody in this world and if you are really a Christian , you will give to those in need.
@@KeithThompson52 CJ is thinking for himself. Good for him. Don't let anyone speak for you. We're all God. Consciousness is God. There is no "other" God.
@@carterfelderva We are not all God. There is only One God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Not one of us can part the red sea, nor bring sight to the blind, not walk on water, so how are we all God, if we could never pull off those miracles? That's a lie from Satan.
My heart truly goes out to others that are suffering.😔 If I don’t have money to give them, no matter what & regardless I will usually say a quick prayer for them.🙏♥️We ALL need Jesus.😉♥️🙏
I have a guy for over a year now coming to my house 2-3 times. A week who lives begging riding his bike around town. He's honestly never done any harm but as a single mom out of work being supported by my own mother I'm at about my wits end with this guy. God help me, and I've been praying for him all the while and God just keeps sending him. 🥵😩
Great answer and very convicting. Only, as a woman I will never give a homeless man a ride. I have four children who depend on my. Willingly putting my life in possible danger would be selfish and unloving to them.
@Beth's VanVentures that’s a very broad statement about a diverse group saying shelters are a scam. Very much like saying all homeless people are on drugs.
I studied in a university in the CBD and had people often ask for money. It was always for either a bus ticket or for food. I kept some bus tickets in my wallet and offered them to those who asked; only 1 or 2 ever accepted. I would always buy food for those who asked, but very few took me up on the offer (they just wanted cash).
I like your default response of "yes." I will say that the majority of our panhandlers are able bodied people that either traveling or scamming. I have responded to giving to churches and shelters. For the average person that doesn't deal with this subculture, I understand the default answer, but if the "homeless" really want help, they know where the shelters are. Good call.
For me sometimes it`s not to give or don`t, it`s trying to dont cry like a baby when I see person who is in need(pain, homeless etc)...I`m 28 years old and I have that feeling from my childhood(and I have some "idea" why) and that very thing brought me before Christ, I`m not saying that I give all to all because I have a problem giving Homeless people money for alcohol, but I dont have a problem giving or buying food. God Bless You All !!! ps. sorry for my english I'm not using it daily :)
If I gave to every beggar, I wouldn't have enough to live, and I would be right there beside them at the end of the month when I couldn't make rent. Does that make me selfish that I dont want to give away everything I work hard for, lose my home, my food, my clothes, my family? Its not about being ripped off by someone lazy, begging me for money while they drink a coffee and smoke a cigarette on a park bench, while I consider the fact that I would love to sit down and have a 3 dollar coffee, and smoke a 20 dollar pack of cigarettes, but neither of those things are in my budget. It is about me having exactly enough to survive. The difference between me and a beggar is that God has Graciously blessed me with food, shelter, and raiment. without His Grace I know for a fact that I would be homeless.
I feel like Jesus told us to give because in situations like this, giving is what we were asked to do. What the person does with the money or GIFT is none of our business. Once the GIFT is in the other person's hand, our job is done and then it's their turn to face their responsibility. I don't think I could interview a person who was in need while "I" was trying to decided how "I" wanted to do as Jesus told me..... Have a Blessed Day!!
***** Listen, if you wanna talk fair, don't ask me, ask the creator who made life inherently unfair. Everyone eventually dies. Life's not perfect. There's never going to be a perfect solution.
I used to do nothing. Lately I've gotten a little better about this and specifically give extra food when I have it in my car. Then I know I'm not feeding addiction
I appreciate the answer, cause there are some very insightful thoughts about selfishness and caring for the poor. But I think we need discernement as well. As I was younger 17/18yo living abroad, I used to give to very often to strangers sitting outside of stores and talking to them, preaching the gospel. Well here in Germany, in my case these were most of the time men. Later on, I saw indeed how some were smoking, others buying alcohol, while I myself was struggling to keep enough money for food. And the social system is such that at that time perhaps some of them even had more money in a month than I. So that's why I generally stopped giving just to almost everybody. Cause I do not think that the Lord wants me to starve, so that I can give to others who have even more than I.... Personally I rather give some food / coffee / tea (some do agree), sometimes money. But I am just trying to deal wisely with this issue... cause even if I give all of my money to the poor in the city, there would still be more need. But in the US it may not be like that. And yet I thinks as Christians we have to remember and practice this: "Charge them that are rich in this world... That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate" 1 Timothy 6:18
im mad for homeless people.cuz i too have been homeless for years..Just because your homeless doesnt mean you dont need money.in all actuality you need more money than you will probably ever come across to replace all the loss.We are not all drug addicts and alcoholics.But you go be homeless and lose hope and i guarantee your gonna be drinking a beer.Its a very hard life and most humans dont care that you are down and will kick you while you are down.I thank God he watched out for me
Thats not fair. Those people with the fish on their car, give in their own way. They feed the hungry at their churches, they pay their electric bill and their rent sometimes. They educate their children, they give Christmas presents and school supplies. They help tutor at schools. They volunteer in all kinds of social services with their churches and respective churches. Where do you think the Salvation Army and Red Cross come from. There is much about life you still do not understand.
Im not gonna argue with you. You dont know me so how you gonna tell me theres so much i dont know about life? Im just stating a fact of what i saw while in the streets. I think if you can,you should be doing something productive like work. Not asking for handouts.If that helps you any.
There are over 330 million people in the US alone. That is a lot of different people and experiences to deal with. So, you experience is your experience, however, the way you see your experience does not mean that it is not biased of that you are seeing it accurately. Life is more about how each individual react to the situations in their lives than about what their situation is. Hence, one person can come from a bad family and they are bad, and another can come from a bad family and they can become extremely successful.
Ok well i saw acurately,exactly what my eyes saw. Maybe i didnt see the fish on a believers car when i should or shouldn'nt have.I will take the fish part off ok. I appologize if i offended you.
I am South African and we have a few beggars on every street corner, at every traffic light and I give as much as I think I can, but sometimes too much and them feel guilty and very very sad for all the people I can't give to... it is so sad for me, it crushes my soul, every day.. I feel guilty for having better and more.
I have a story. In Canada, we were driving downtown in Vancouver to pick up some groceries in China Town. As we were leaving with our bags, and a lot of it we were arriving to our car to drive all the way down south home. All of a quick sudden a lady, or a panhandler started begging at my mom's front window and asking for some spare change. My mom doesn't usually offer change to begging homeless people. Due to the fact she believes sometimes they could fake they are homeless, could use it to buy drugs, or cigarettes and other some sort that they would collect. She couldn't stop pleading and wanted it so much. The panhandler started staying there and keeps on asking. My mother declines as my father was ready to start driving. My mother took her risk and said enough was enough. She took a few quarters and penny's out of her purse and gave it to the women. She doesn't even say thank you and starts doing the same act to another person on the sidewalk. My mother told me, even though she is panhandling, she has violated a law of giving privacy and personal space. Therefore she should be sent to court and arrested for her mistakes and violation. Since my mom didn't want to give a bad reputation and let it go. This occurred a year ago. Including sometimes I never wished I met a panhandler. I still get very frustrated over their need, and why they beg so aggressively. Why can't they respect privacy and personal space on other people? Despicable.
We are judged according to what we do with our money, not what others do with money God has given them through us. There are quite a few pan handlers in my area, and here is what I have decided to and that is to put a slight amount of my change in a jar every day. The change that I carry inside after the day is over goes from my pocket to a jar specifically designated for the pan handlers. Then I go and cash it in and keep that cash in my car. When it runs out I don't give any more till that jar is full again. Just how I do it.
I say still give whatever God puts on your heart to give, because by blessing others, we ourselves will be blessed. God promises us rewards if we have a true heart and give with open hands to those in need. No clauses which tell us, give Only if you are certain they won't spend on drugs, alcohol etc. God just says... Give. And even if they do waste the money, and smoke it up, spend on drugs etc, we will Still reap the reward from God by following his commandment. He promises we will never lack for anything, and be blessed, by taking care of the poor.
I give and I trust God to be in control of what happens next. Maybe they are an addict but maybe God will use my willingness to treat them kindly as a way to keep them from losing all hope and overdosing. Maybe they will go on to get help instead because they can see there are still kind people in the world who see them as people that matter too. It's not just about giving them some cash. It's about looking them in the eyes with compassion, smiling, and telling them you hope their day gets better. It's about helping them feel like they are not already as good as dead to the world.
I tell my kids, meet the need not the request. That means: "Hey can you spare some change? I don't have gas to get home." Sure pull around I will fill it up.
I struggle with this. Honestly I feel brutally guilty when I give to people I know are scammers. I have no idea what you mean by sleeping well. My heart is conflicted and in knots, usually for the rest of the day. But I can't figure out any other way to be Jesus to them. What would Jesus say to a scammer? What would he do? I'm sure there were plenty in the 1st century...
"It alwaye humbles and convicts me to hear how you treat the homeless in your neighborhood pastor John" as if you could do anything apart from Him, little faith.
I just have ones on my wallet so I can give but if I don’t have cash I will not give and I notice when my heart is hard, I’ve had a bad day I often don’t want to
Very good advice but I would add that one should be very careful before letting someone you don't know get in the car with you and under no circumstances should a woman give a strange man a ride.
Even if said man is unarmed, and SIGNIFICANTLY physically WEAKER and more fragile than the woman? ...Oh, because that happens, didn't you know, that weak and vulnerable men, even young men (let's say, men in their teens or their twenties, or thirties) EXIST???!!! Yeah I would be baffled too, if my view of things was as cartoonishly stereotypical as yours, those people exist, women are not the universal victims and men and men aren't the universal predators!, How surprising! 🙄
Most homeless people have food stamps and Medicaid medical. What’s so sad in this world is we don’t have a homeless problem we have a drug problem. And those who say otherwise don’t understand how the middle class are now struggling financially to have food and basic needs in their home (we don’t qualify for government help). I truly don’t have money to give but I will give a track and a shelter information. I pray many homeless/user of drugs can repent and sin no more. I pray for their salvation. I wish I can give a dollar because many aren’t happy with the spare change I give them. I pray for their salvation -most say they love Jesus.
Give to whom ever ask of you, I usually give food when I find a homeless person who ask of me, I usually don't give them money because it usually leads to sin. I also only give when I have, I have to think twice "I have this money its what I have" or "I cant give because I need medicine this week, or gas money for work" Ask for guidance from the holy spirit
Love your ministry, Piper! My middle son, 22, has your books in his study area. But, here's a disagreement. I've worked the past couple years in a city job that works with homeless, young transients, old transients on the street. Generally speaking, if you're handing cash to an unknown transient, you mostly may as well hand them a small bottle of cheap vodka (available for under $3). Alternately (and this takes pre-planning) get gift cards from food places (McDs, whatever) and carry them with you. I like to write on them "For food only, not for refund". Yes, they will try for cash back. One McD mgr. agreed to uphold this. And, John, your other giving suggestions are so good. But dont give cash to people you dont know. Let someone else be part of their demise.
Have you ever had someone tell you they’re starving, so you offer to buy them a meal, and then they start making a bunch of dumb excuses why you should just give them cash? Happened to me twice near where I used to work. I didn’t give them cash since I rarely carry cash.
this is a biblical answer, but we need to be careful with some of these people. some just want to take advantage and want free food or money. my dad once helped a guy who came to our door asking for food and clothing. he gave him some, but he has been knockin almost everyday for 1 or 2 months, with an attitude of "give me more and more" just like a leech.
In America there are so many existing forms of help for homeless people. Free meals are offered in nearly every city on top of the food stamps program. Clothing and shelter are offered to many as well. Statistics show upward of 55 percent of homeless are on drugs or alcohol. Yes we should help them, but financing their addictions is not helpful.
what youre assuming is that grown adults who have fallen on hard times cannot be trusted with 20 bucks,,,maybe your employer should only allow you to buy what he THINKS you should have,,,maybe you dont NEED more clothing or shoes maybe YOU cant be trusted w money,,,the person who is homeless is NOT always on drugs or a drunk what an arrogant attitude,,the man covered in sores in front of the rich mans home was homeless the rich man ended up in hell and poor homeless man ened up in heaven
I’m not afraid of getting ripped off as much as I’m afraid to give them the money they’re going to use to buy that hit of heroin that’s going to kill them. Doesn’t feel loving.
A problem is most of these people are using money for drugs. I don’t want to hurt people more by giving them money. Food water sure especially worker as a jailer. I see so much drug usage.
In my place you have around 10 people that begg like mom and dad would put children on streets to beg,or people who are buying cigarettes and alcohol,rearly someone honest...one day we have give money to shildren and they are soo pushy,after one minute they enter the place where you bet on foodbal etc...i am not rich nmyself but i am telling you i am not giving to people like that a dime anymore,food possibli but money no...they dont want to listen about Jesus or ridicule you,playing on people conciousness...I think there is a better way to help people,help some old lady,do something nice...Sometimes i do give ppl some money but not those who are obviously doing it as a busness....i think we should be wiser then that coz nothing in their life will change...I think also we should pray about it,for us to be able to decide who is in need and who is playing us,..if you are not sure give them food and talk about Jesus☺
Rose, I do understand the feelings you're having, but we must remember that Jesus Christ did not teach us to help who we think it's right for. Wether it's one dollar or food. He said, do not turn away from the homeless, or if anyone asks you for a 'lone' we should not refuse, it's pure greed, and no love or hope for that person. Yes it's hard to look at a drunkerd, and say yes. But it's how the other person feels, not us, and you can bet your shoes on it, you'll know, at least you did your part, if they choose to be foolish about it, or violent. That's between them and God.
Our society has a great welfare system, no need to risk your safety to help someone. Over 25% of my paycheck goes out to beggars if they can take the time to go get help.
"My heart was right today" your salvation is in tack! Thankfully you can still go into heaven and Jesus didn't die for nothing! Good luck tomorrow tho!!
Mike, if you really believe that example and based on what you are saying: Go to work for the next three months, keep 10% of your check, and just go out and give the other 90% to every person you see on every street corner or go to the places they go-shelters,etc. GIVE YOUR 90 %. and then tell me what problem have you solved, or have you created more. And how much longer are you willing to just throw money to the wind.
PT 2 IF WE LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR LIKE WE LOVE OURSELVES LIKE JESUS SAID THEN WE WILL PROVIDE MONEY, CLOTHING, BLANKETS ETC TO THE HOMELESS. WHO AMONG US WOULD LIKE TO WAKE UP ON CONCRETE AND HAVE NO BATHROOM OR EVEN A GLASS OF WATER? HOW BOUT GOING W/O SHOWERS AND BEING REVILED BY ALL WHO PASS BY YOU? ITS NOT LOVE TO SNEER AT PEOPLE WHO HAVE PROBLEMS ITS ARROGANT AND SICKENING. If they're on drugs then HELP THEM! If they're alcoholics HELP THEM! AND GET THEM A BIBLE TOO! How bout some compassion!
Jesús dont care if they smoke crack or alcohol u give 1 dollar and u will get ir back. Did jesus say to judge the poor and find reasons to justicefy your not giveing.
No no I work too hard for my money to get ripped off panhandlers can make up to $400 a day and this is a typical snow day last time I had a panhandler asking me for gas money I gave him $40 I get $10 an hour that's four hours of my life spend and then again I saw him again he was asking other people for money gas money again he came up to me and asked me again for money and I said yesterday I gave you $40 for gas and he told me yes you did but it doesn't help you giving me money one day I told him oh that mean work to give you all my money so you could just rest and your car I know it sounds cruel but sorry I'm not made of money to make it worse he was only using the money for drugs as they found out later on.😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤
The reality is, you are prolonging the addict's misery by enabling him to continue in sin, and you show a lack of responsibility in handling the finances that God has provided for you. You lack wisdom and discernment. The best thing to give an addict is advice...that they must get into rehab. It worked for me.
It's tough when you live in a city where every single corner has a person on it begging. But I agree... most of the time I just give it and thank God that I had it to give. Their has been some times where I have been able to meet REAL needs by listening to God but I've been taken advantage of a lot more. As Christian's it seems like the right thing to do is allow ourselves to be vulnerable sometimes.
Perfect
When I was about 17-18, I wasn't a believer and things were not good in my home so I would hangout with people living on the streets. Most of the money they beg for goes towards drugs, alcohol or weapons. One guy I knew got some money, bought a knife and stabbed some other guy. They were fighting over a girl. They showed me places where they could go get food, clothing, shelter, a shower, etc. The people living on the streets know all those resources and where to get what they need. If you want to help them, I think it's better to give to your local shelters, either money or time or clothing. But I am not comfortable giving money to someone who might go buy drugs, alcohol or weapons and harm someone else or themselves.
This seems wise. The pastors assertion that we should give seems to leave out the idea of giving to the organizations that offer true help to the needy.
Good information, but we must remember there are no clauses to the commandment God gives us, to be generous with the poor. I would pray for God to set a specific person on my path, that God wants me to personally help, and I would also pray that the money I give that person, would somehow glorify the Lord. I often wonder/think or even suspect they may spend it on drugs, alcohol, etc, but God said to give, regardless, with no hidden it's and or but's, so I just follow the command. At least I know I followed God's word.
It's not rationale to have a stranger get in the car with you, especially if you're female. It's not selfishness. It's wisdom.
I'm going to quote Piper next time I get caught with someone handcuffed in my boot (trunk). Another thing that can work is taking them into a cafe for some food and try a tract and discussion.
@HillDueceua We’re told you be as clever as serpents and as gentle as doves. Jesus didn’t ban common sense
Trust the Spirit, if it feels wrong dont do it if it feels right do it
I agree with this approach, as much as I dislike sounding distrustful. I have actually had the opposite experience as a man where on one occasion, a woman asked me to give her a ride somewhere. Since it was not someone I knew personally, I declined, out of not feeling comfortable doing it. In today's world, it is too risky to "just believe in the good of others." In fact, that is a statement no sound Christian should say.
Give what you can give. If you have nothing to give, then pray for them.
I felt the Holy Spirit lead me to start being mindful of the poor around me. I told Him, I was afraid to carry and hand out cash, and He (the Holy Spirit) said try gift cards to the local grocery store instead. Most of the homeless people in my area are right outside grocery stores so it actually worked out really nicely. $25 gift cards to the store they're right outside of is usually a well-received gift and I feel it enables me to safely be as we the woman described in Proverbs 31:20 "She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy."
i feel this is half answered because it does not say to give money, it just says give him who asks of you, it doesn't say what!! When i get asked, yeah i give money sometimes, but i also have found out that if you ask them are they hungry they most always answer yes and so instead of money i cheerfully walk in with them and buy them food and drinks and i feel this was a greater blessing!!
Im so glad John Piper said this,,Were in the richest country in the world and have more clothing and food and luxury items then we know what to do with and yet we sneer at the homeless who lack basic necessities,,,we assume they're lazy or on drugs and THAT is a sin. Most people would rather give their charity to rich corporations than a homeless person who REALLY needs it. They all use the excuse that they MIGHT buy drugs. What a lame excuse to revile the poor.
It’s not an excuse when statistics show most homeless people will in fact spend money on drugs and alcohol. You are not helping someone by paying for their addictions. If you feel burdened to give to individual homeless people I suggest gift cards to nearby food sources (Subway, McDonald’s, etc) though they may trade those as well.
@@SaneNoMoreit's an excuse because a dollar doesn't make or break most most times your buying bullshit with the spare change or loosing in the couch anyway.when people say they use it for drug that's true for most and obvious but Id rather them ask or beg.cause they could resort to robbery and stealing which some do and go to jail or end up hurting someone because of it. You can give five dollars and it would decrease crime. In reality as people the only time and reason we shouldn't give is if we literally couldn't
Exactly it's a way for them to justify being selfish and not feeling bad
If only we had real pastors like this! ❤ This man is a hero! Nobody helps nobody in this world and if you are really a Christian , you will give to those in need.
Don't give them cash, offer them a service or food. If they deny it, walk away.
You haven't understood what Piper said if you think that...
@@KeithThompson52 CJ is thinking for himself. Good for him. Don't let anyone speak for you. We're all God. Consciousness is God. There is no "other" God.
@@carterfelderva We are not all God. There is only One God, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Not one of us can part the red sea, nor bring sight to the blind, not walk on water, so how are we all God, if we could never pull off those miracles? That's a lie from Satan.
My heart truly goes out to others that are suffering.😔 If I don’t have money to give them, no matter what & regardless I will usually say a quick prayer for them.🙏♥️We ALL need Jesus.😉♥️🙏
I have a guy for over a year now coming to my house 2-3 times. A week who lives begging riding his bike around town. He's honestly never done any harm but as a single mom out of work being supported by my own mother I'm at about my wits end with this guy. God help me, and I've been praying for him all the while and God just keeps sending him. 🥵😩
Great answer and very convicting. Only, as a woman I will never give a homeless man a ride. I have four children who depend on my. Willingly putting my life in possible danger would be selfish and unloving to them.
praise God for sweet sleep when are conscience is clear - What a great GOD!
Very helpful. I struggle with how to deal with the homeless people I see.
I think in the U.S. it’s better to give to your local shelter. If you feel led to give to an individual then it’s best to give non-cash gifts.
very sensible, otherwise they might spend on drugs or booze
@Beth's VanVentures that’s a very broad statement about a diverse group saying shelters are a scam. Very much like saying all homeless people are on drugs.
I studied in a university in the CBD and had people often ask for money. It was always for either a bus ticket or for food. I kept some bus tickets in my wallet and offered them to those who asked; only 1 or 2 ever accepted. I would always buy food for those who asked, but very few took me up on the offer (they just wanted cash).
I like your default response of "yes." I will say that the majority of our panhandlers are able bodied people that either traveling or scamming. I have responded to giving to churches and shelters. For the average person that doesn't deal with this subculture, I understand the default answer, but if the "homeless" really want help, they know where the shelters are. Good call.
Found this incredibly helpful, thank you!
For me sometimes it`s not to give or don`t, it`s trying to dont cry like a baby when I see person who is in need(pain, homeless etc)...I`m 28 years old and I have that feeling from my childhood(and I have some "idea" why) and that very thing brought me before Christ,
I`m not saying that I give all to all because I have a problem giving Homeless people money for alcohol, but I dont have a problem giving or buying food.
God Bless You All !!!
ps. sorry for my english I'm not using it daily :)
Get wise. People have pain. Dont worry what they buy. 1 dollar
Most of these people aren’t in need of help. They want a free handout or money for their vice..
If I gave to every beggar, I wouldn't have enough to live, and I would be right there beside them at the end of the month when I couldn't make rent. Does that make me selfish that I dont want to give away everything I work hard for, lose my home, my food, my clothes, my family? Its not about being ripped off by someone lazy, begging me for money while they drink a coffee and smoke a cigarette on a park bench, while I consider the fact that I would love to sit down and have a 3 dollar coffee, and smoke a 20 dollar pack of cigarettes, but neither of those things are in my budget. It is about me having exactly enough to survive.
The difference between me and a beggar is that God has Graciously blessed me with food, shelter, and raiment. without His Grace I know for a fact that I would be homeless.
I feel like Jesus told us to give because in situations like this, giving is what we were asked to do. What the person does with the money or GIFT is none of our business. Once the GIFT is in the other person's hand, our job is done and then it's their turn to face their responsibility. I don't think I could interview a person who was in need while "I" was trying to decided how "I" wanted to do as Jesus told me..... Have a Blessed Day!!
+WiiParty2010 Who is the "they" you are referring to that should be held responsible, the giver of the money or the receiver?
So the person who's giving the individual money should be held responsible for what that person does with it?
***** So the person who's giving the individual money should be held responsible for what that person does with it?
+WiiParty2010 Right. I don't think the original commenter would disagree
***** Listen, if you wanna talk fair, don't ask me, ask the creator who made life inherently unfair. Everyone eventually dies. Life's not perfect. There's never going to be a perfect solution.
I used to do nothing. Lately I've gotten a little better about this and specifically give extra food when I have it in my car. Then I know I'm not feeding addiction
I appreciate the answer, cause there are some very insightful thoughts about selfishness and caring for the poor. But I think we need discernement as well. As I was younger 17/18yo living abroad, I used to give to very often to strangers sitting outside of stores and talking to them, preaching the gospel. Well here in Germany, in my case these were most of the time men. Later on, I saw indeed how some were smoking, others buying alcohol, while I myself was struggling to keep enough money for food. And the social system is such that at that time perhaps some of them even had more money in a month than I. So that's why I generally stopped giving just to almost everybody. Cause I do not think that the Lord wants me to starve, so that I can give to others who have even more than I.... Personally I rather give some food / coffee / tea (some do agree), sometimes money. But I am just trying to deal wisely with this issue... cause even if I give all of my money to the poor in the city, there would still be more need. But in the US it may not be like that.
And yet I thinks as Christians we have to remember and practice this: "Charge them that are rich in this world... That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate"
1 Timothy 6:18
Thanks Pastor
im mad for homeless people.cuz i too have been homeless for years..Just because your homeless doesnt mean you dont need money.in all actuality you need more money than you will probably ever come across to replace all the loss.We are not all drug addicts and alcoholics.But you go be homeless and lose hope and i guarantee your gonna be drinking a beer.Its a very hard life and most humans dont care that you are down and will kick you while you are down.I thank God he watched out for me
Thats not fair. Those people with the fish on their car, give in their own way. They feed the hungry at their churches, they pay their electric bill and their rent sometimes. They educate their children, they give Christmas presents and school supplies. They help tutor at schools. They volunteer in all kinds of social services with their churches and respective churches. Where do you think the Salvation Army and Red Cross come from.
There is much about life you still do not understand.
Im not gonna argue with you. You dont know me so how you gonna tell me theres so much i dont know about life?
Im just stating a fact of what i saw while in the streets.
I think if you can,you should be doing something productive like work. Not asking for handouts.If that helps you any.
And it may not be fair,but it is a fact.
Some christians did show compassion.
Im just telling you what i saw.
There are over 330 million people in the US alone. That is a lot of different people and experiences to deal with. So, you experience is your experience, however, the way you see your experience does not mean that it is not biased of that you are seeing it accurately. Life is more about how each individual react to the situations in their lives than about what their situation is. Hence, one person can come from a bad family and they are bad, and another can come from a bad family and they can become extremely successful.
Ok well i saw acurately,exactly what my eyes saw.
Maybe i didnt see the fish on a believers car when i should or shouldn'nt have.I will take the fish part off ok. I appologize if i offended you.
I am South African and we have a few beggars on every street corner, at every traffic light and I give as much as I think I can, but sometimes too much and them feel guilty and very very sad for all the people I can't give to... it is so sad for me, it crushes my soul, every day.. I feel guilty for having better and more.
Hi fellow South African ... I feel your pain... same I agree with this teaching it’s so biblical
I have a story. In Canada, we were driving downtown in Vancouver to pick up some groceries in China Town. As we were leaving with our bags, and a lot of it we were arriving to our car to drive all the way down south home. All of a quick sudden a lady, or a panhandler started begging at my mom's front window and asking for some spare change. My mom doesn't usually offer change to begging homeless people. Due to the fact she believes sometimes they could fake they are homeless, could use it to buy drugs, or cigarettes and other some sort that they would collect. She couldn't stop pleading and wanted it so much. The panhandler started staying there and keeps on asking. My mother declines as my father was ready to start driving. My mother took her risk and said enough was enough. She took a few quarters and penny's out of her purse and gave it to the women. She doesn't even say thank you and starts doing the same act to another person on the sidewalk. My mother told me, even though she is panhandling, she has violated a law of giving privacy and personal space. Therefore she should be sent to court and arrested for her mistakes and violation. Since my mom didn't want to give a bad reputation and let it go. This occurred a year ago. Including sometimes I never wished I met a panhandler. I still get very frustrated over their need, and why they beg so aggressively. Why can't they respect privacy and personal space on other people? Despicable.
But consider a need for compassion
I give to the Salvation Army- go there. I'm not feeding their crack or alcohol habit.
We are judged according to what we do with our money, not what others do with money God has given them through us. There are quite a few pan handlers in my area, and here is what I have decided to and that is to put a slight amount of my change in a jar every day. The change that I carry inside after the day is over goes from my pocket to a jar specifically designated for the pan handlers. Then I go and cash it in and keep that cash in my car. When it runs out I don't give any more till that jar is full again. Just how I do it.
I say still give whatever God puts on your heart to give, because by blessing others, we ourselves will be blessed. God promises us rewards if we have a true heart and give with open hands to those in need. No clauses which tell us, give Only if you are certain they won't spend on drugs, alcohol etc. God just says... Give. And even if they do waste the money, and smoke it up, spend on drugs etc, we will Still reap the reward from God by following his commandment. He promises we will never lack for anything, and be blessed, by taking care of the poor.
I give and I trust God to be in control of what happens next. Maybe they are an addict but maybe God will use my willingness to treat them kindly as a way to keep them from losing all hope and overdosing. Maybe they will go on to get help instead because they can see there are still kind people in the world who see them as people that matter too. It's not just about giving them some cash. It's about looking them in the eyes with compassion, smiling, and telling them you hope their day gets better. It's about helping them feel like they are not already as good as dead to the world.
I tell my kids, meet the need not the request. That means: "Hey can you spare some change? I don't have gas to get home." Sure pull around I will fill it up.
"meet the need, not the request" that's a great nugget, thanks!
Michael D. Shellenberger in his book San Fransicko offers excellent insight and best practices on this matter
I don’t mind helping panhandlers, but it more so comes down to safety.
I struggle with this. Honestly I feel brutally guilty when I give to people I know are scammers. I have no idea what you mean by sleeping well. My heart is conflicted and in knots, usually for the rest of the day. But I can't figure out any other way to be Jesus to them. What would Jesus say to a scammer? What would he do? I'm sure there were plenty in the 1st century...
What to do / say is would you like to get off the street? If yes then offer bus pass or Uber to the mission facility
Most will refuse.
"It alwaye humbles and convicts me to hear how you treat the homeless in your neighborhood pastor John" as if you could do anything apart from Him, little faith.
I just have ones on my wallet so I can give but if I don’t have cash I will not give and I notice when my heart is hard, I’ve had a bad day I often don’t want to
Imagine having to interpret and come to your own conclusions about the Bible rather than letting the spirit guide you like Jesus promised.
Very good advice but I would add that one should be very careful before letting someone you don't know get in the car with you and under no circumstances should a woman give a strange man a ride.
Even if said man is unarmed, and SIGNIFICANTLY physically WEAKER and more fragile than the woman? ...Oh, because that happens, didn't you know, that weak and vulnerable men, even young men (let's say, men in their teens or their twenties, or thirties) EXIST???!!! Yeah I would be baffled too, if my view of things was as cartoonishly stereotypical as yours, those people exist, women are not the universal victims and men and men aren't the universal predators!, How surprising! 🙄
As a 4'10 woman, people have told me not to even do that with other women.
Its easy to handle pan handlers....if u can give......Give!
Most homeless people have food stamps and Medicaid medical.
What’s so sad in this world is we don’t have a homeless problem we have a drug problem. And those who say otherwise don’t understand how the middle class are now struggling financially to have food and basic needs in their home (we don’t qualify for government help). I truly don’t have money to give but I will give a track and a shelter information. I pray many homeless/user of drugs can repent and sin no more. I pray for their salvation. I wish I can give a dollar because many aren’t happy with the spare change I give them. I pray for their salvation -most say they love Jesus.
Give to whom ever ask of you, I usually give food when I find a homeless person who ask of me, I usually don't give them money because it usually leads to sin.
I also only give when I have, I have to think twice "I have this money its what I have" or "I cant give because I need medicine this week, or gas money for work"
Ask for guidance from the holy spirit
Proverbs 19:17 he that hath pity on the poor lendeth unto the lord;and that which he has given will he pay him again. 😉 amen
‘Pastor John, when I wake up and get out of bed, should I put my left foot on the floor first or the right foot?’
problem is if you give food, they ask for money immediately after.
Thank you!
Love your ministry, Piper! My middle son, 22, has your books in his study area. But, here's a disagreement. I've worked the past couple years in a city job that works with homeless, young transients, old transients on the street. Generally speaking, if you're handing cash to an unknown transient, you mostly may as well hand them a small bottle of cheap vodka (available for under $3). Alternately (and this takes pre-planning) get gift cards from food places (McDs, whatever) and carry them with you. I like to write on them "For food only, not for refund". Yes, they will try for cash back. One McD mgr. agreed to uphold this. And, John, your other giving suggestions are so good. But dont give cash to people you dont know. Let someone else be part of their demise.
Have you ever had someone tell you they’re starving, so you offer to buy them a meal, and then they start making a bunch of dumb excuses why you should just give them cash? Happened to me twice near where I used to work. I didn’t give them cash since I rarely carry cash.
this is a biblical answer, but we need to be careful with some of these people. some just want to take advantage and want free food or money. my dad once helped a guy who came to our door asking for food and clothing. he gave him some, but he has been knockin almost everyday for 1 or 2 months, with an attitude of "give me more and more" just like a leech.
In America there are so many existing forms of help for homeless people. Free meals are offered in nearly every city on top of the food stamps program. Clothing and shelter are offered to many as well. Statistics show upward of 55 percent of homeless are on drugs or alcohol. Yes we should help them, but financing their addictions is not helpful.
what youre assuming is that grown adults who have fallen on hard times cannot be trusted with 20 bucks,,,maybe your employer should only allow you to buy what he THINKS you should have,,,maybe you dont NEED more clothing or shoes maybe YOU cant be trusted w money,,,the person who is homeless is NOT always on drugs or a drunk what an arrogant attitude,,the man covered in sores in front of the rich mans home was homeless the rich man ended up in hell and poor homeless man ened up in heaven
what about do unto others how you would want done to you? enabling a sinful lifestyle is not something Godly. thoughts?
Excellent
Why noone is saying about helping believers.
I’m not afraid of getting ripped off as much as I’m afraid to give them the money they’re going to use to buy that hit of heroin that’s going to kill them. Doesn’t feel loving.
A problem is most of these people are using money for drugs. I don’t want to hurt people more by giving them money. Food water sure especially worker as a jailer. I see so much drug usage.
In my place you have around 10 people that begg like mom and dad would put children on streets to beg,or people who are buying cigarettes and alcohol,rearly someone honest...one day we have give money to shildren and they are soo pushy,after one minute they enter the place where you bet on foodbal etc...i am not rich nmyself but i am telling you i am not giving to people like that a dime anymore,food possibli but money no...they dont want to listen about Jesus or ridicule you,playing on people conciousness...I think there is a better way to help people,help some old lady,do something nice...Sometimes i do give ppl some money but not those who are obviously doing it as a busness....i think we should be wiser then that coz nothing in their life will change...I think also we should pray about it,for us to be able to decide who is in need and who is playing us,..if you are not sure give them food and talk about Jesus☺
Rose, I do understand the feelings you're having, but we must remember that Jesus Christ did not teach us to help who we think it's right for. Wether it's one dollar or food. He said, do not turn away from the homeless, or if anyone asks you for a 'lone' we should not refuse, it's pure greed, and no love or hope for that person. Yes it's hard to look at a drunkerd, and say yes. But it's how the other person feels, not us, and you can bet your shoes on it, you'll know, at least you did your part, if they choose to be foolish about it, or violent. That's between them and God.
Our society has a great welfare system, no need to risk your safety to help someone. Over 25% of my paycheck goes out to beggars if they can take the time to go get help.
"My heart was right today" your salvation is in tack! Thankfully you can still go into heaven and Jesus didn't die for nothing! Good luck tomorrow tho!!
God gave his only son. Will you hold on to that dollar which is corrupt?
Mike, if you really believe that example and based on what you are saying: Go to work for the next three months, keep 10% of your check, and just go out and give the other 90% to every person you see on every street corner or go to the places they go-shelters,etc. GIVE YOUR 90 %. and then tell me what problem have you solved, or have you created more. And how much longer are you willing to just throw money to the wind.
i gave my 10percent to them .
i have to eat too.
sure you did.
Ya i sure did
Gangsta 4Christ 10% for them and 90% for you is still selfishness.
PT 2 IF WE LOVE OUR NEIGHBOR LIKE WE LOVE OURSELVES LIKE JESUS SAID THEN WE WILL PROVIDE MONEY, CLOTHING, BLANKETS ETC TO THE HOMELESS. WHO AMONG US WOULD LIKE TO WAKE UP ON CONCRETE AND HAVE NO BATHROOM OR EVEN A GLASS OF WATER? HOW BOUT GOING W/O SHOWERS AND BEING REVILED BY ALL WHO PASS BY YOU? ITS NOT LOVE TO SNEER AT PEOPLE WHO HAVE PROBLEMS ITS ARROGANT AND SICKENING. If they're on drugs then HELP THEM! If they're alcoholics HELP THEM! AND GET THEM A BIBLE TOO! How bout some compassion!
Can’t give if you also suck with money and are broke 😎
I give cash. You can do as you please. What they do with the money is their business. I dont judge them.
Matthew 25: 35-46
I preach the gospel to or pray for them often lol
If an able bodied man not work let him not eat 2 Thessalonians 3:10
I agree but with a balance of the whole scripture
Na i hate to be ripped off. They usually want it for drugs anyway. I just look at them and say NO.
If you won't give because you assume they're on drugs why not ask them a few questions and judge not lest ye be judged may God's love dwell within you
Aint nothing wrong with that . u her back more then u give
Jesús dont care if they smoke crack or alcohol u give 1 dollar and u will get ir back.
Did jesus say to judge the poor and find reasons to justicefy your not giveing.
No but Paul said not to give to worthless men who refuse to work
There are so many jobs that are hiring. I would give a bottle of water and a gospel tract.
No no I work too hard for my money to get ripped off panhandlers can make up to $400 a day and this is a typical snow day last time I had a panhandler asking me for gas money I gave him $40 I get $10 an hour that's four hours of my life spend and then again I saw him again he was asking other people for money gas money again he came up to me and asked me again for money and I said yesterday I gave you $40 for gas and he told me yes you did but it doesn't help you giving me money one day I told him oh that mean work to give you all my money so you could just rest and your car I know it sounds cruel but sorry I'm not made of money to make it worse he was only using the money for drugs as they found out later on.😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😑😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤😤
This guy is so wrong believe me I would rather teach a man to work then to just give him over and over again out of my work
i give to the homeless when i was homeless....money,food,cigarettes...they have needs just like you.
Whats your excuse?
Gangsta 4Christ Cigarettes aren't needs. They're desires.
Cigarettes? You have proven that you are wrong. Sometimes when you are hard on someone, you force them to take care of themselves.
The reality is, you are prolonging the addict's misery by enabling him to continue in sin, and you show a lack of responsibility in handling the finances that God has provided for you. You lack wisdom and discernment. The best thing to give an addict is advice...that they must get into rehab. It worked for me.
Joe Hallam not every homeless person is an addict.
Matthew 25: 40-43
I agree Joe I am homeless and I am not and addict, I also pan-handle passively when I can.
Just cause soneones on drugs does not mean they are sinners.
Another ignorant question - Jesus was a panhandler, and not white