So it's not like I'm that big of a traveler... but I'm out of town again. I'm spending the next few days in downtown Atlanta doing some training for psychological assessments. As I was walking to a restaurant for dinner tonight I was approached by three different men asking for money. All the men gave me a different story but I was struck by one man who told me about his tour of duty in Iraq only to come home and have no money while trying to care for his pregnant wife. My heart strings were definitely pulled on but I also wondered if a story like that could possibly be true?
Jesus commands me to love my neighbor and I definitely want to help the needy so I felt confused. How can I know if these folks are legit and in need or just pulling a sham? And how can I see through to help those truly in need without enabling bad habits?
Any thoughts?
3 comments:
Those are good thoughts and difficult questions.
I believe part of it is deciding under what circumstances you will give... such as if God tells me to on the spot or if I have a regular relationship with the person. etc etc.
Joylene,
That's a hard one...I am often perplexed when I see a homeless person looking for a hand out on the corner, but I also know that as a Christian I am called to love and care for others. It is a tough place to be, and my husband would prefer that I not open the window and start the whole encounter, not because he is mean, but because I usually have our two kids in the car with me and this would almost alleviate the risk...does that make sense?
Anyways...I would go with my gut, and let the Holy Spirit guide me...
Not much of an answer, is it? Sorry...just wanted you to know that I have had those same thoughts.
Melissa
I guess there are no easy answers on this one, right?
Thanks so much for the input Melissa and Jeff!
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