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| Q: | You're at a sporting event in a big city. You're approached by a person who indicates he needs money, however the circumstances surrounding the situation may lean toward that it could be a scam. What do you think God would want us to do? Should you give money every time that happens and hope that it helps? I'm not asking for financial advice, just your opinion. | ||||||||
| A: | There are many places where the Bible tells us to show concern for the poor. In the Old Testament the Lord encouraged his people to remember the poor and often condemned them through his prophets when they failed to do so. Ephesians 4:28 states, "He who has been stealing must steal no longer but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with those in need." At the same time the Lord tells us to be wise and faithful managers of all that he entrusts into our care. This means that we have to determine how much we are going to give to the poor and also when we are going to do so. When there seems to be evidence that a certain person will misuse what we give, it might be wise to withhold such a gift. But even when the need is great we have to realize that we cannot save the world from poverty. Jesus told his disciples, "You will always have the poor with you" (John 12:8). Certainly Jesus was not being callous to the poor, for he often showed care and concern for the needy. Yet Jesus was teaching us that as managers of God's gifts there are opportunities and responsibilties God places before us that will require our time, abilities, and money. We need to balance what we spend in one area with that of another. My opinion is that I help in some situations but do not feel compelled to help in all situations, especially in those cases where I sense the gift will not be used wisely. | ||||||||
This is recent question #26 of 50
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