Taking a Second Look

I had a conversation recently and I must admit: I'm still developing my views on the subject. What should we do when we are confronted by a man or woman, destitute and asking for money. Conventional wisdom says that most of these poor and often-homeless individuals are victims to their own vices; they are addicts to the worst degree. In fact, I have been told that it is wrong to give them money because it only feeds their addiction.

It is true. Many of these poor individuals are slaves to substance abuse. Most of them are irrevocably damaged by their choices. It is true. They may use that money to buy alcohol or drugs. Also, I think we would all agree that an offer of food and shelter would be more beneficial. But what should we do when we don't have food or shelter to give? Indeed, we often don't have the necessary resources or time to give them food or shelter. Should we give them our money?

I say yes. Give them everything you have. Give them not only what you can spare but more! In regard to the poor, the hungry, and the destitute, Jesus tells us that "[a]s you have done to the least of these, you have also done to me." He clearly is not saying merely to serve "those who are unfortunate victims of external circumstance." By "least of these" I think and know that he means "the least": Those who are in prison for just cause; those who are poor because their bad choices; those who are hungry because they are unwise. Jesus did not love people based on pretense, he loved people and through that love earned the right to demand better of them. The prostitute of John 8 deserved capital justice but Jesus forgave her of her crime and demanded she live a redeemed life. We don't know, she may have returned to the streets that night. Ultimately, it does not matter. Every person is responsible for their own actions. We must show love first (after all, isn't that how we know love?) and use that care as a way to persuade others. So next time you see someone on the road with a ridiculous sign that pleads for help, realize that you are responsible for your actions, not theirs. We have been given a gift--Love--and we are responsible to give to others without pretense.

 "All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor."