Answer
There are various viewpoints on how to respond to beggars and panhandlers, a challenging issue. Some individuals are comfortable giving money, believing it is the beggar’s decision on how to utilize it, whether for food or alcohol/drugs. Others opt to offer food/water instead of money, recognizing that some beggars may not use the money as intended by the giver. What is the appropriate course of action? From a biblical perspective, we are instructed to assist the poor. However, does our obligation conclude with the act of giving, or should we ensure that our contributions are used for the intended purposes?
Instead of providing money or food/water, some individuals choose to offer transportation to a local shelter and/or extend financial aid directly to the shelter. By financially supporting rescue missions, we aid the impoverished individuals who would otherwise be begging on the streets. If the local church operates a food bank, contributing to it and then guiding the beggar there for assistance might be the most effective approach to address the need without encouraging sinful behavior. Church food banks also present an excellent opportunity to share the gospel with the homeless and those in need.
Additional ways to assist include offering food or gift cards to local eateries, distributing energy bars or other non-perishable items to individuals on street corners, or, if circumstances permit, taking the needy individual(s) to a restaurant/grocery store and purchasing a meal for them. God encourages us to aid the poor and bestows blessings upon us when we do so. As the psalmist David expressed, “Blessed is he who has regard for the weak; the LORD delivers him in times of trouble. The LORD will protect him and preserve his life; he will bless him in the land and not surrender him to the desire of his foes” (Psalm 41:1-2). It is truly a noble cause to assist the impoverished, including those holding signs on our street corners. Each of us m
Respond to these individuals as the Lord directs, remembering also to pray for these individuals in need.
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