To give or not to give
By meticulo
@meticulo (1286)
United States
September 27, 2008 9:39am CST
One day while my husband and I were heading the city streets, a group of native people dressed in an old dirty clothes approached our car when we pulled to a stop at one of the traffic lights. Some were carrying little children with no dress, not even a cap to protect their heads from the heat of the sun. They were asking for alms. I was always hesitant to give everytime I saw them. Should I give them or not? The question kept battling my mind. If I gave them money they would be begging for it all their lives. And it would mean being dependent on the alms from other people. When infact they can still work of any kind because they are still healthy and strong. But during one sunday morning, our parish priest gave a sermon and it's about giving/helping other people especially the least of our brothers and sisters would make God very happy. I was confused...Is it really a must to give because God said so? When should be the time to give or not to give? Do we hurt God if we don't give alms because we believe we aren't helping them to strive hard for their own? Please share your ideas. Thanks!
1 person likes this
2 responses
@ella1bella (839)
•
27 Sep 08
Here in the UK there are so many bogus beggars that its really hard to think who needs any money and who doesnt,now im not a fan of people begging in the streets,but they are there and often our hearts go out to them,and we feel that we want to give them something to help them,but them it all backfires as we see them later and they have spent the mony on alchohol ,and we have just helped them in the habit.
@meticulo (1286)
• United States
28 Sep 08
Yes thats true. Oftentimes, we felt guilty by ignoring these people begging alms from us. When infact we shouldn't. But how would we know if the alms we gave them were used in a right way? Though I haven't really seen it myself but I've heard from other people that some beggars weren't real and that they only asked to be able to support themselves for their vices. This is very discouraging. But then do we commit a sin by ignoring them? It's really confusing...The issue is that do we have to know first and consider some reasons behind before we decide to give or not to give or we just have to give no matter what are their reasons for God's sake.
@belk89 (1103)
• Philippines
3 Oct 08
I always give alms for the sake of the children. I dont actually give money thought. I usually give them food instead of money. I wish they could make there life better though but i tried to put myself in there shoe too and realized that life can be also difficult for those people who dont have home and nowhere to run. Hard to find a job for them since some people will be afraid to trust them. So as much as i wanted to teach them to be independent. I also in the other thought to share my blessings because i have something to give.
