Be generous and be kind where you can

To be honest with you, I struggle with it.

On any given day in our city, there will be three to four people who are standing near traffic lights with signs saying they are homeless, hungry and are broken down in our fair city.

Most people use the terms beggar or panhandler to describe these people.

Some years ago in a local newspaper, there was a story about beggars or panhandlers and one guy saying that he made over $100,000 a year, tax free by standing on the street with a sign.

I don’t know if this story was true.

On the recent trip to St. Louis, many corners had someone standing with a sign.

I recently heard of an incident that happened locally when a person stuck his sign up to a window of a vehicle and the driver showed a weapon on the panhandler.

Sadly, that is not, I believe, the correct response to such an incident.

In doing research for this article, I also found out most cities in Missouri will not prosecute people who stand on the street panhandling because they are afraid they will be sued for depriving a person of their rights to ask for money.

Most police do not want to pursue any action unless there is a violent act.

Often, the first thing that comes to mind is Jesus’ quote when he tells the disciples that “You will always have the poor among you, and you can help them whenever you want to.” Mark 14:7

But that brings me little comfort.

I think, are these people really the poor that Jesus was talking about?

I also remember the time when I pastored a church in Arkansas when we had an account with a local convenience store to provide gas and food to people in need.

Often, when gas was just a $1.25, I would take them down to get $10 worth of gas to continue on their trip and before I put $1 worth in, the pump shut off.

I would also offer them cold cut food to take with them or a hot meal.

Most would decline.

Again, that used to bother me and I did not know what to do.

So, as summer approaches I know there will be more people probably on the street corners with signs.

Some of the sign are even creative.

What are we to do as followers of Jesus when see these people?

What do the scriptures say about taking care of the needy and our community?

Where I am right now in my understanding of scripture is that “yes” we should try to help them if we are financially able.

Why?

It is biblical.

But as I reflect on that, it is hard because I think inside me and each of us there is a distrust or angst.

We want to say get a life.

We want to say get a job.

We see signs almost at every business seeking help and think “why are they not working?”

In the Before Common Era (BCE) times, begging was heavily discouraged by the leaders of the day.

It’s interesting that Moses in the giving of the laws did not set a precedent for begging.

By the time of the Common Era (CE), is was a tolerated practice by the leaders of the faith.

On the eve of the Sabbath, beggars would go around to people’s homes and ask for alms for the poor.

Jesus even spoke about the poor on the Sermon on the Plains.

“And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God. Blessed are you who hunger now, for you shall be satisfied. Blessed are you who weep now, for you shall laugh.’” Luke 6:20-21

But I also know this is not what Jesus would have us to do.

It is selfishness on our part and maybe just a little bit sinful.

Jesus said some radical things in the Bible about those who are poor and less fortunate than us in society.

“This is what our Scriptures come to teach: in everything, in every circumstance, do to others as you would have them do to you.” Matthew 7:12

“And Jesus, looking at him, loved him, and said to him, ‘You lack one thing: go, sell all that you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.’” Mark 10:21

Later the writer of John’s epistle asks “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees their brother or sister in need, yet closes their heart against them, how does God’s love abide in them?” I John 3:17

But how do we do that?

We think, in theses trying times with inflation, we must take care of our self and family first.

There are a few universal things that we can do.

First and foremost, don’t give cash. This is the easy way out to perhaps ease our consciousness. Unfortunately, well-intended cash gifts often end up being used for other purposes.

This doesn’t mean you can’t help. It just means cash isn’t the answer.

Sometimes we think, that perhaps we will buy them some food or drink, especially when it is extremely hot or cold outside.

But, sadly, over the years I have seen where people have given food or drink and it has been left on the ground not eaten or taken.

We must treat the person or persons with respect.

You don’t know anything about the person who is standing in front of you asking for money.

One of the worst things you can do is be disrespectful to someone who has asked you for help or assume they’re out on the street simply because they’re lazy.

I heard about an encounter where a person shouted from their vehicle, “Get a job” while an ad for a local business was flashing on the overhead street billboard.

Perhaps the best thing for us to do is to donate to organizations.

According to Handouts Don’t Help, giving to beggars or panhandlers only discourages them from seeking out services that can actually give them the assistance they need.

Rather than give to one individual, put that money toward a donation to an organization that has made it its mission to help others.

We have several good missions in the area such as Catholic Charities, the Bread Shed, and the United Gospel Rescue Mission.

If possible, and you have the time, you can encourage the homeless to get help.

The next time someone asks you for money, suggest the person visit a local organization that provides shelter and help for the homeless, or perhaps even a church that has been known to take in those in need.

Sadly, in our times one must also take precautions.

This isn’t the case for all panhandlers, but some who approach you asking for something are living on the streets because of a reason.

This doesn’t mean you should assume anyone who asks for money is going to hurt you, but it is okay to be cautious.

Always make sure you’re speaking with beggars or panhandlers in areas where other people can see you.

I guess the bottom line is that we should try to be as generously as we can to them and then not worry about it.

We must trust that they will use our gift wisely if we choose to donate cash money.

We must also trust that God will bless them and we will also receive a blessing of knowing we did our best to help.

Rev. Frank Chlastak began work as senior minister of First Christian Church (Disciples of Christ), Poplar Bluff in 2015. He is a graduate of Northeast Louisiana University and New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and has served congregations of the Christian Church in Louisiana, Arkansas, Virginia, Oklahoma and Missouri.