I was called to meet with a couple of guys that wanted to see a pastor.  They were dirty and smelled of alcohol.

One told me that his wife had died at the hospital.  Wow, that was sad to hear.  He said they were driving there to pick up her body.  OK, this was beginning to feel a little fishy.

He said they ran out of gas and needed help with some gas money.  I suspected they were trying to squeeze me to get more liquor.  So, I politely told them that I couldn’t help.

But as I walked away, I thought, “OK, but what if his wife really died?” How terrible that a pastor would turn away a grieving widower. 

So, I went back and told him. “I changed my mind.  Let’s jump in my car and we’ll go get your wife’s body.”  “Oh no sir,” he said.  “We just need some money for gas.”

So, I said, “OK, let’s go get your wife’s body, then we’ll stop and get you a can of gas too.”  He refused my offer and they walked away.

This story really happened, and it underscores the confusion that most of us have when we are confronted with needs on the street.

Should we help the person with the sign at the intersection.  Aren’t they simply suffering the consequences of their poor life choices? Should we help the one that might take our money and use it to fuel their addiction? 

Galatians 6:9 may help us here.  Paul wrote, “So we must not grow weary in doing good, for in due time we will reap, if we do not give up.” 

Scripture tells us to do good. But to who?  Paul answers in verse 10. “So then, whenever we have an opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who belong to the family of faith.”

Whenever we have an opportunity, we need to do good – to all people – anyone and everyone.  He says to give preference to those who believe, but our goodness should extend to all.  A seminary prof taught me that “All means all and that’s all, all means.” 

Jesus was speaking to a multitude exceeding 5,000 (Matthew 14:13-21).  By the end of the day, the people were quite hungry.  Jesus planned to feed them, but He needed to assess who among the crowd deserved to be fed and who did not. 

So, He told the disciples, “I want you feed only those who are willing to sign a statement of faith in me and you should probably skip over anyone who looks like a wino or a Bad Bunny fan.” 

Jesus did nothing of the sort.   He made sure everyone was fed. Hunger is a basic human need and He had the power and opportunity to take care of it – so He did.  

So, when we have an opportunity to do good, even to meet a need on the street.  We should consider doing so. 

Very often, the person on the street who asks for money, intends to use it for alcohol or drugs.  So, we need to be wise – to balance personal safety with compassion and respect for that person.  Be discerning and don’t throw money indiscriminately at the need.

– If he/she is asking for money for food: Point them to McDonalds where you’ll go and purchase a meal for them.

– If he/she is asking for gasoline: Direct them to the nearest gas station where you can purchase several gallons for them. 

– If he/she is seeking shelter: Direct them to the local mission.  Unlike you, the mission is geared up to provide housing.  Consider, however, donating to the mission so that they can provide such housing.   

I have found as with my “widower” friend, when you attempt to meet the actual need, they often walk away.   And yet, it is still good that we try to do good to them.

A PRAYER: Lord we need the wisdom of Solomon on this matter.  Help us!

This has been Jim Johnson and pickleheavenpress.com

May the grace of our Lord Jesus be with you always

Scripture passage are from the NETBible®