It was 9:15am, and a panhandler’s sign said it all: “Why Lie? I Need a Beer”. I loved his integrity! I have shared in a prior writing my new tension of living in Austin where I see panhandlers on many corners and reconciling what God calls me to do in these situations. As a Christian, can I really ignore someone asking for help? And if the answer is “no”, then what should my help look like to a panhandler?
While teaching Sunday School over the last three weeks, our class explored with spirited conversation Luke 6:27-38 in which Jesus challenges us in verses 27-30 to love our enemies; do good to those who hate you; bless those who curse you; pray for those who mistreat you; and give to everyone who asks. Jesus doesn’t just give us these commands, but He also gives us the “why” behind His commands found in verses 35-36. Jesus wants us to do as He commands because He wants us to reflect His character – regardless of how we are treated by another person or how we perceive a certain type of person. First, He wants us to be kind because He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked (which was each of us before we entered into a saving relationship with Christ). Second, He wants us to be merciful just as He has been merciful to us. How quickly I forget His kindness and mercy that He shows me on a daily basis! I can’t even begin to count the number of ways I miss the mark daily, nor the number of times He has generously extended His limitless mercy and forgiveness when I didn’t deserve it.
This leads me back to panhandlers. Though I keep granola bars in my purse to give to a panhandler, I used to struggle with the idea of giving someone any cash for fear they would spend it on alcohol or cigarettes. But the last two verses in Luke 6:37-38 has helped me turn the corner on this issue. Jesus says, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven. Give, and it will be given to you.” He wants us to be generous in our loving, forgiving and giving. Because I am not to judge how I think they will use a handout, I have concluded that it is not my issue as to whether a person decides to buy a beer with it or not. One can judge me and argue that I am enabling them and therefore not helping them, but the issue is whether or not I am being obedient to Jesus’ commands. I will be held accountable as to whether I followed His commands or not. Was I willing to reflect the generosity of God when asked? The persons receiving a handout are accountable for how they use the gift. In the meantime, by giving to a person who asks, I have followed Christ’s command to be kind and merciful, just as God has been kind and merciful to me. I think it’s really that simple. To make any of my giving a discussion about what I think a person is going to do with the gift is to enter into the role of “judge”, which I believe Jesus is telling me NOT to do.
In the meantime, if the panhandler decided to go buy a beer, I’m not going to judge him. It’s not my role.
Blessings,
Lee Ann
Wow what a great article. U used to sets under a pastor in inner city Ft Worth who would get $100 in twenties at the beginning of each week and hand one out to anyone who asked until it was gone. Radical, unconditional generosity cannot be denied as a Godly trait.
Thanks, Andy! I am now on mission to interview these panhandlers and get to know their stories. I have actually started a list of questions that I want to cover, some of which are around a panhandler’s view of a Christian and why they think most people don’t roll their window down and offer help. I hope that the end result will be a bridge built to them to share Christ, but I am going to take a few steps at a time.
Blessings,
Lee Ann
AMEN SISTER! I have come to this conclusion as well, that we are not responsible for what the people do with the money, but rather, being obedient to Jesus. And he says give generously! We do not have panhandlers up here, but many come to the church asking for money and a few of us are trying to change how our church gives. Pray everyone would want to give!
Hi, Alaina! You are right that many come by the church for help. When I served on staff, we were able to track the number of “name changes” people went through just to get help. It is sad that people asking for help have to even do that with the hope that they might receive help! Wouldn’t it be cool if every church just had cash on hand to help walk-ins and give as soon as the need is presented, and then when the cash is gone, go back to the congregation and let the Lord call out people to give to refill the cash bucket! I am confident that the Lord knows how to call out His children to give, and He knows how to bless a church who understands that we can’t outgive Him. I would love to hear how the few are trying to change how the church gives when you have some time. Blessings, Lee Ann
I share your insight. Too often I have run in christian circles that felt it was their “job” to insure that benelovence monies were going to be absolutely spent in the most prudent way. However, I have always struggled with that because I didn’t see Jesus making these conditions. It is our responsibility to model the minstry of Jesus…..period. If someone makes a decision how misuse our generosity, that is not for us to monitor. Good thoughts…
Thanks for your thoughts, Cavin. It seems that radical Christianity calls us to generosity that shows kindness and mercy, and what a great point that Jesus didn’t spend time trying to figure out the right channels to get a person help! Blessings, Lee Ann
WOW LeeAnn! That is great insight and I’ve heard and said the same so many times….don’t give them money, they might spend it on alcohol or tabacco! You are so right!!! It’s not our place to decide what the money is spent on but doing as God has commanded us. Thank you so much for letting me see things in a different perspective. I so miss conversations and discussions with you! God Bless!
Hi, Mary!
I, too, miss our conversations and discussions. I trust that you are enjoying your new chapter of life in Lubbock! Thanks for taking the time to comment. I really like to hear what others think. Blessings, Lee Ann
wow leaann! that’s such an awesome testimony that has actually inspired me to do something as well. Thanks! and i can”t wait to see what your next post will be!
Thank you, Caleb! I need to take time out and just interview one of these people at the corner and just learn their story. I think it will at the very least soften any tendency I might have to judge them in any way. Thanks for taking an interest in my blog, and just pray with me that the Spirit will keep giving me the words to share through this blog. Love, Lee Ann