It is a challenge. I see the homeless. Do I give them some money? Won’t they just use it to buy drugs or alcohol? Why don’t they have a job, I think. I feel justified in not giving. I don’t feel their pain. It is too easy to just drive away.
Jesus says ‘Yes’, it is your duty to give. It isn’t my job to judge why they are begging. God’s goal for me is to give. That is all I need to know. Jesus clearly says to give to the one who begs from me.
What does Jesus think? This may run afoul of the “official stances” of the homeless social services organizations. They have great reasons for their logic. That is not what Jesus challenges us to do. I am going to follow Jesus.
You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Source: Matthew 5:38-42 (ESV)
Of course, Jesus has more to say. This one is a warning. I need to pay attention. I do not want to hear this from Jesus. I want to hear “good and faithful slave”.
Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.
Matthew 25-41-43
I think Jesus is serious. I think I should give all I can every time I have a chance. Just sayin’.
Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 
If we care for our families, our communities, and our nation, then we will together make a big difference. By giving, we show that we care, we are playing our part, and we make a big impact. The Lord be with you!
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Michael, do you take this scripture to the truth of giving away your cloak also? I believe this would apply to “beg” in such cases as a personal plea for mercy but I don’t see it as commanding to give to every street person who sits on the side of the way. Jesus did not. I have posted times when I felt that God specifically directed me to give and I did so, but I do not give to those sitting on the traffic corner. For one thing I do not believe that person even gets the money. Many are doing slave work for the brute who controls them. I never give because I am being begged to give by mail, phone, or TV. I almost always give in any project by my church (not other churches). I believe the Holy Spirit will guide and that trusting him for that is the right course.
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Oneta, thanks for the insight. I stand by what Jesus said. Here is a longer version of this that may (or may not) be helpful. 🙂
https://quotesthoughtsrandom.wordpress.com/2020/11/09/everything-jesus-had-to-say-about-the-homeless-wealth-prosperity-poverty-riches-the-poor-the-needy-and-giving/
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Your word means more to me than looking up links for people I do not know. I’m not bothered by your decision. Thanks for letting me voice mine. I know I respond to you with other viewpoints sometimes. I hope you don’t see that as arguing. I just like to talk to folks smarter than I whose views I respect. I sometimes see folks as visitors in my home with whom I am talking. Welcome to my sofa. 😀
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Oneta, I do not see it as arguing at all. I appreciate your insight. It is an honor to be able to sit on your sofa. 🙂
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A good heart check for me after the post to consider if I’m being generous
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