We've all been there - walking down the street, someone asks for help, and suddenly our minds start running like they're training for a marathon. We start questioning everything: "Are they really in need? What if they're scamming? What if they use it for something they shouldn't?"
But here's what's been convicting my spirit lately. In Matthew 25:40, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me." He didn't say, "whatever you did after running a full background check" or "whatever you did after making sure they're gonna use it right."
Now, don't get me wrong - wisdom is biblical too. Proverbs 19:17 says, "Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done." But notice it doesn't say "Whoever is suspicious of the poor." The emphasis is on kindness, not skepticism.
Check Your Heart
Let's be real with ourselves for a minute. When we're hesitating to help, is it really about stewardship, or is it about our own comfort? Because 1 John 3:17 asks us straight up: "If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"
That's a tough pill to swallow, isn't it? But growth ain't always comfortable.
Practical Ways to Show Love
Keep blessing bags in your car with water, snacks, and basic necessities
Partner with local ministries that serve the homeless - they often know the real needs
Pray for discernment and compassion - sometimes we need both
The Heart of the Matter
Here's what I'm learning: When we focus more on not getting scammed than on showing love, we might be protecting our wallet but hurting our witness. 2 Corinthians 9:7 reminds us that "God loves a cheerful giver." Not a suspicious giver, not a reluctant giver, but a cheerful one.
And can we talk about how Jesus gave? He didn't wait for people to prove they deserved healing. He didn't make the 5,000 fill out forms before He fed them. He saw needs and met them, period.
A New Perspective
What if - and stay with me here - what if every person asking for help is an opportunity? An opportunity to show God's love, to practice discernment, to grow in compassion. Galatians 6:10 tells us, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people."
So here's my challenge to you (and trust me, I'm preaching to myself too): Next time someone asks for help, before your mind starts racing with all the "what ifs," pause and pray. Ask God for wisdom, yes, but also ask Him to help you see that person through His eyes.
Because at the end of the day, we're all just beggars showing other beggars where to find bread. And the bread we have? It wasn't earned - it was given. By grace.
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