“A Helping Handout”

Friday, September 28, 2012

My question is regarding the needy, specifically panhandlers and homeless folks, and our obligations per the Bible to help them.  Hebrews 13:2 says that we may be entertaining angels without knowing it.  Matthew 25:35-39 also sounds like it is encouraging helping those in need, but where do we draw the line?  Are we obligated to give to everyone with their hands out?

Sincerely,
Wallet Watcher

Dear Wallet Watcher,

Christians must always do what they can to help the poor (Pr 14:21), but they must also balance that with the importance of not supporting laziness (Pr 21:25).  This becomes a constant battle as christians interact with the homeless and panhandlers.

Matt 25:35-39 is not applicable in this issue because it is specifically dealing with needy brethren, but there are other verses that we should consider.  Pure and undefiled religion is to care for widows and the fatherless in their distress (Jas 1:27).  When we have pity on the poor, we are pleasing to God (Pr 19:17).  If we don’t listen to the cry of the poor, our prayers will be hindered (Pr 21:13).  God blesses those who care for the poor (Pr 28:27).  God puts immense emphasis on having compassion for those less fortunate.

God also tells us not to support someone who won’t work.  If someone won’t work, neither should they eat (2 Thess 3:10).  Someone who will not provide for his own is worse than an unbeliever (1 Tim 5:8).  Some people are financially destitute because they simply will not work for a living (Pr 24:30-34).

When giving out money to help the poor, a christian must make sure that they are actually helping the people.  Some people (especially people in third-world countries) are willing to work but are unable to find work.  Other people are willing to work, but health problems keep them from doing so.  And yet others are working but aren’t able to make enough to sustain themselves.  In all of these circumstances it would be a wonderful thing to help someone financially.  Unfortunately, some panhandlers are simply vagrants that are wasting their money on alcohol and drugs and have chosen a lifestyle of poverty – in that case, you would be wrong to help support them. You must use wisdom to decide in each individual case whether you will give and how much you will give.

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