To give alms or not to give alms.

if you see a beggar and you think that he is able and strong, then don't give him alms. yeah, i think giving alms to an able but lazy beggar would encourage him to go on living like that. i don't give alms to beggar that are able and capable. i seldom give alms to disabled beggar. some disabled beggars still find work like giving massage, selling candies, etc. and i don't give alms to mothers who take along their children to streets just to beg. its just unacceptable. sometimes i give alms to little children but only food and not money. i prefer to give food because i know they don't have a choice but to eat it. but if i give them money, who knows what they might buy. that's why i get more suspicious when a beggar refuses food and demands for money. there are beggars like that. and those kinds don't deserve any pity.

Some people are either this or that they are handled by some syndicates, the best thing to do is say "NO" to them. Don't give them any but if you want to, give them foods or clothings and not any monetary denominations. If you really want to help these people, there are institutions that'll provide them shelter where you can also offer your help to support through giving them foods and clothings..

Giving alms often bother me as well. It really depends who is asking from you. I look at the person and stare at him. I would also talk to him or her for a while. And then, I will decide if I will give him or her alms. I don't encourage them to stay lazy. That is why I talk to them for a while.

Yea you're right. Therefore, I learned from my pastor to help those who are poor and needy. These are people who will accept anything you can offer. My pastor related a story of buying something for someone who is begging only to be turned-off because that person wants money and not food.