I have always been someone who avoids Pan handlers. I always wonder if they are scamming me. I have to admit this is not one of my few redeeming characteristics. Today I read an article about Vicki Julian's forthcoming work, Simple Things to Make This World a Better Place. As a Minister, Vicki uses biblical reference for each of her examples. She suggest for the needy who ask You for money (Matthew 5:42). Buy fast food certificates and have them handy to give to those who are hungry. Buy bus tokens or discount store gift certificates to give. Keep numbers and addresses of agencies that can help and give it on a card to the person if they are unaware of where to go for assistance.
I am very impressed with this approach and wanted to share it.
I use to keep peanut butter crackers in my car to give out. I'm not sure how well they were received, but I figured if they chunked them it wasn't a great loss, and yet I tried to do something for them.
ReplyDeleteI always try to keep in mind that God is not going to judge me by their intent, but by my heart. Is this the test for me? If I give them a dollar (joyfully and from my heart), and they chose to spend it unwisely (booze, cigarettes, etc), how is God judging my heart? Just saying....
ReplyDeleteI think the food certificates are a great idea as they can only be used for food.