CHALLENGES OF MERCY
I hate to admit it, but one of my oft-repeated periods of discomfort is when I see someone on a street corner (or in a parking lot, etc.) asking for a handout. What should be my Christian response?In discussing this with several other sojourners the other day, much was said about the reasons one should or should not give to the person. On the one hand, Jesus commands us, at the risk of our eternal salvation, to clothe the naked, feed the hungry, give drink to the thirsty, welcome the stranger. However, social scientists (and those who have made it off of the streets) have said that by giving money to a panhandler you do not help them, feed them, or clothe them but merely enable them to continue in self-destructive practices.
In reflecting on this, I've realized that when I am confronted with these situations, they SHOULD make me uncomfortable, whether I give money to assuage my guilt or not. They are one of God's ways of calling to me, reminding me of the obligations I have as a Christian to meet the needs of my brothers and sisters. So I need to learn to discern each and every situation individually, and should at a minimum pray to God for guidance. I need to learn to listen to the little voice in my head that tells me how I should respond. And I should never be complacent with my responses, for every time I see someone in need I in turn need to turn to God for advice and assistance.
I'm surprised to say I'm glad I'm uncomfortable. (I know I won't be glad when it happens.) Maybe I should keep some dollar bills handy, just in case.
Originally posted on February 24, 2010
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