What should we do when someone asks us for money?

What should we do when someone asks us for money?

Jesus is very clear and straightforward about giving to the poor. I don’t know why it stumps so many “Christians”, the government and homeless nonprofits, but it does.

I get lots of pushback from disciples of Jesus on giving money directly to the poor. They might spend it on booze or drugs we are told.

What do you do if walking down the street or driving your car and someone asks you for money? Do you give? If not, why not?

How does Jesus think we should give?

“Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward.But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” ~Jesus 

Source: Matthew 6:2-4 (ESV)

There are a number of challenges here for us to pay attention to in this section of the Jesus Manifesto (Matthew 5-7). Jesus changes how we think and act on giving when we listen to Him directly.

This is a good thing since I have spent most of my career raising money for charitable causes. Yikes!