Beggars on the Street and Christians
Beggars on the street sometimes make Christians uncomfortable. Individuals and couples hold up cardboard signs and other times women hold a baby or a single guy panhandles. You may think these thoughts as I did. I’m being totally transparent.
Get a job.
Your sign states you need food but you’re overweight.
Lord, I don’t want to be duped.
What if they try to get in my car?
Am I an enabler if I hand them money? Am I feeding their bad habits?
If I give them money, they might buy drugs or alcohol.
If I give, they will continue begging.
Nobody wants others to rip them off; yet, homeless people tug at my heart. I know why—the compassion of Jesus. When I accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit took up residence in my heart. He gives me Holy Ghost nudges to help others.
When Jesus delivered the beatitudes sermon, this Bible verse about giving to beggars is helpful.
Matthew 5:42
Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you.
That should settle the issue, but most times it doesn’t.
Beggars on the Street and a Christian’s Reluctance to Help
I worked with an editor who was also a part-time adjunct professor at a college. Most months her income was $800 which barely covered rent. When she didn’t edit or teach, she was a psychic palm reader.
If that didn’t bring in enough money, she crowdfunded. Essentially, she made up projects to get financial support via the internet. She had no misgivings whatsoever about her behavior.
I was shocked. Raised in a Christian home and on a farm, we lived a wholesome life. We canned our own food, worked hard, and lived our Christian values. I couldn’t relate to her actions (still can’t).
My first thoughts were: That’s totally disgusting. Why would an intelligent woman do that? Immediately I knew the answer. She was desperate. When she shared the truth about her life with me, I wanted to send money, but I didn’t. I felt I’d be a fool rather than a Christian willing to do what Jesus said, “Give to everyone who begs from you.”
Here’s one other example. I saw a woman standing beside a man who begged. She wore designer clothing! He looked completely lost and exasperated. Her face reflected defiance and pride. I was appalled but felt guilty for not wanting to help.
The core of my unrest came from not knowing what to do. My main desire was to appear shrewd and discerning. How did I resolve my internal conflict? I settled the issue in my heart.
How to Help Beggars on the Street
- First, don’t put yourself in physical danger when approaching street beggars.
- Maybe you don’t have anything to give or the Holy Spirit doesn’t want you to give money (make sure you listen to the Holy Spirit and not your soul). Then, love them by praying. Pray for God to send them someone they will listen to. Outreach ministries know how to help others. Those are the people who can help them the most.
- Ask street beggars what they need. If they want to spend a night at a hotel, make that happen. Maybe they haven’t had a steak in years. Treat them. Use the means available to you to bless them, even if it’s only temporary.
- Be aware of which local churches help the needy. Compile a list of addresses and numbers for people to contact and keep copies in your car’s glove compartment. Once I jotted down the name and phone number of a pastor who loved helping the homeless. I also handed the woman a list of scriptures I carry with me. She lit up like a Christmas tree and pulled out a necklace cross to show me.
- Don’t judge whether someone’s motives are evil or pure. Listen to what God wants you to do. A generous heart overlooks someone trying to take advantage of you. If anything, you’ll sleep better knowing you gave.
- Realize the God kind of love you profess to others is radically different than what people are used to. You’re accountable to God for your actions, not street beggars.
- Purchase fast food credit cards for common eateries like Burger King, Wendy’s, Subway, and other locations. I keep at least one with me at all times.
How Do You Feel About Beggars on the Street?
I haven’t done this but dining with a stranger gives them a boost and maybe you too. Human contact may help them press through their circumstances.
Evaluate when to stop giving. We gave money to a street couple on and off for a couple of years. After that, we decided maybe it was time to back off if one or both refused to work. We never saw them again and hope they got the breakthrough they wanted.
I once went with a church group to a concert in D.C. We were told to bring crackers to hand to beggars instead of money. Many beggars were insulted getting a pack of crackers so they probably weren’t all that hungry.
You put yourself on the front lines when helping someone find work. Not everyone is mentally equipped for this task. If you are, you can help someone set up interviews, buy clothes for them, and go with them to the interview to provide encouragement. Offer to help them prepare a resume.
Support local organizations that have ongoing programs for people in need. Volunteer at a soup kitchen or make donations to homeless shelters. You can give away books, clothing, or items for survival kits like blankets, toiletries, and outerwear.
Most people don’t run out of ideas to help others. The real issue, as it was for me, was suppressing generosity when I wanted to give.
That’s the test for me. Does my heart say give even though my flesh recoils?