Give to All
Tuesday, July 21st, 2009What should you do when you encounter a beggar on the street? Here’s what Jesus says:
Give to everyone who asks. (Luke 6:30a)
Notice that he doesn’t say “ignore beggars if you’re in a hurry” or “cross the street to avoid a homeless person” or “give only to those who don’t seem like drug addicts.”
Nope. He tells us to give to everyone.
The other day I was walking down the street with my wife and son. A beggar stopped me and asked for money. I smiled politely, said “sorry” and walked on by.
After about a dozen steps, I suddenly thought of the above verse and wondered what my son might be thinking about me. I considered turning around and chasing after the man. But before I could do anything we ran into another beggar.
He told me his name was John and pleaded for money so that he could buy food for his family. Feeling guilty about my previous snub, I reached into my wallet and gave him $23. “God bless you!” he said and then started telling everyone (very loudly) in the general vicinity what a great guy I was.
I felt good for about five seconds but then quickly found myself embroiled in a debate with my family. What if the guy’s an alcoholic? Didn’t I basically just buy him his next bottle of whiskey? Shouldn’t I have just taken him to a store and bought him some food?
The next day, any “what a great guy” buzz I had left was killed when I spotted John staggering down the street, looking dazed and confused and far worse than the day before.
Rather than saying “I told you so,” my wonderful wife instead helped me come up with a plan. As we walked past the Potbelly sandwich shop, she suggested that we stock up on gift cards so that we’re armed with something useful the next time someone asks for help.
So we did. Sure enough, within seconds after leaving the restaurant we ran into another beggar. My wife asked him if he was hungry. When he answered “yes,” I handed him the gift card. He turned to a friend and exclaimed, ”Dude — Potbelly — LET’S EAT!” and off they went toward the restaurant.
I resolved at that moment never to be caught unprepared again. Accordingly, I hereby pledge to carry gift cards and maybe even a couple of Bible-y pamphlets in my pocket so that I can provide at least a little physical and spiritual nourishment to those who need it. And then I’ll pray for each person and ask God if there’s anything else He’d like me to do.
So, if you ever see me on the street, test me. If I don’t immediately give you a gift card and pray for you, feel free to bonk me on the head and remind me of today’s verse.
I’d love to hear about other creative approaches anyone uses. Please shoot me an e-mail at getupwithgod1@wi.rr.com. Thanks!
