I got into a very short, but interesting and very thought provoking conversation this weekend in regards to feeding, clothing, basically helping those in need – the poor, sick, homeless, etc.

Several questions came to mind. But for starters, I am a Christian. The person I was talking to is a former Christian. I still don’t understand why he left the faith, and his reasoning makes little or no sense to me. I mean, being a Christian means that we live “by faith”, and although science and history have proven over and over again that that many of the stories in the Bible are indeed true – if you are one who needs that kind of evidence, I say fantastic. I always find it fascinating when things are proven but I don’t need historical or scientific proof. My God, my Savior has proven to me over and over again that He is indeed real.  There is a reason why God says not to listen to Satan’s lies. Liars twist what is true.

It is part of my faith as a Muslim to try to help those who are suffering from poverty or economic or political injustice. Cat Stevens (musician)

I’ve been pondering and I wonder why some people of no faith or little faith have the idea that it is only the professed Christians responsibility to take care of the poor. The person said they use to give to the homeless when they were a Christian. They also had the notion that as a Christian I am to give without thought or good judgement. That is it my responsibility to just give a dollar or two and not think what the person might do with it. That I must give and not worry about whether the person is buying food or crack cocaine. Food gives life, drugs kill.

If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,” and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? James 2:15-16

I agree I must give, but I also must give wisely and what is necessary, needed and essential for the persons good. The Bible speaks a lot about wisdom. God wants us to think and use our heads. He didn’t give us a brain to only use at certain times. Our God who loves to give and bless his children often holds back at times for our best interest is always at heart.

If I ask God for a million dollars, why should he give it to me if I can’t properly handle the thousand dollars in my paycheck? There are over 250 Bible verses that advise a person on how to handle money and most require wisdom and good judgement.

Coming generations will learn equality from poverty, and love from woes. Poverty is a veil that obscures the face of greatness. An appeal is a mask covering the face of tribulation. Khalil Gibran

If a person comes up to me in the street and asks for money I am always tempted to give and more often than not I have, but do I give if they might harm themselves, even kill themselves with an overdose? I would much rather give (money, items or my services) to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen so I know the person in need will have shelter and food. I think this is the wise choice and a choice that is far more pleasing to God.

Poverty is the worst form of violence. Mahatma Gandhi

God doesn’t want us throwing our money and goods away. When we give to those in need we are not only investing in their life but also in God’s Kingdom. The Good Book has many scriptures on investing money and our goods.

So this is my prayer: that your love will flourish and that you will not only love much but well. Learn to love appropriately. You need to use your head and test your feelings (knowledge, depth of insight, discernment) so that your love is sincere and intelligent, not sentimental gush. 1Philippians 1:9

Try to identify real needs. All in all, everything belongs to God. I mean, when God calls us home, what will we take with us? Another question I have is, what kind of legacy will we be leaving behind? When our children talk about their parents, tell stories to their children about their grandparents, what kinds of stories will they share?

I hope my children say that I am kind and generous. I certainly can say that about my own mother. She gives beyond measure and I do try to follow in her footsteps in that regard. She has taught her children well. I also want my children to say, “my mom gave wisely”.

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of. In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of. Confucius

On another note,  I don’t think it is just a Christians responsibility to take care of the poor. It is everyones responsibility, no matter your faith or lack of faith. It is the humane thing to do. It is the kind thing do do. It is the loving and merciful thing to do. When we turn our backs on those in need we turn our backs on our own humanity. We are Scrooge entombed.

This is how we’ve come to understand and experience love: Christ sacrificed his life for us. This is why we ought to live sacrificially for our fellow believers, and not just be out for ourselves. If you see some brother or sister in need and have the means to do something about it but turn a cold shoulder and do nothing, what happens to God’s love? It disappears. And you made it disappear. 1 John 3: 16-18

Don’t be a Scrooge. Don’t be miserly. Give with loving kindness and wisdom to those in need. My husband and I sponsor a child through Mission of Mercy and we give in many other ways. But, we really need to stretch ourselves and do more. My husband enjoys sharing his services. He is a wonderful carpenter and will soon be traveling to Tanzania to build a women’s shelter. I would love to learn how you give to help others in need. I would love ideas that will help me stretch my giving.

Have a wonderful day

All scriptures are from The Message Bible