Proverbs SOAP: Give to the poor. Don’t ignore their requests for help

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by

Amy
in ,

A Chapter of Proverbs a Day…

Scripture: Proverbs 28:27

He who gives to the poor will lack nothing,

but he who closes his eyes to them receives many curses.

Observation: Give to the poor and don’t ignore them.

Application: I live in a city where I’ve been asked several times for money by people walking up to me or standing at a stoplight with a sign. Sometimes I give the individuals money and sometimes I do not. (And I’m referring here to individuals asking for money for themselves, not an organization.)

A friend of mine once told me that she gives money or something (food, water) to all who ask because we are instructed to give to those who need it. Her understanding of the Bible is that it is up to those who can give to give. And then it is up to those who receive to determine what to do with it. It is not up to those who can give to determine how the money should be used, or judge, just that we give and trust.

My husband is always handing out money when we go downtown. And sometimes this makes me nervous. But I think he’s got me here.

Perhaps I should keep ‘extra’ money in an easy to get to spot so when I’m approached and asked, I can give it away without fear that someone is going to grab my purse or pull a gun on me when I’m digging for money to give away.

Very clearly we are instructed in the Bible to give to those who need it. No more closing my eyes. Guess it is time to say yes every time I can give. And be prepared to give.

We’re heading downtown tonight for a show… I wonder what God has in store for us this evening. Guess I should wear something with pockets.

Prayer: Lord, Please forgive me for only giving sometime.  You didn’t call on me to judge and decide who gets what. But you do call on me to give.

All that I have is a gift from you and I think I’m doing a pretty good job of sharing it. But you should be getting better than that from me.

Keep me from closing my eyes to those who need me. And stop me from thinking that because I gave a certain amount to one organization or individual that I’m done for the day, week or month. Show me how and where to give. Don’t let me close my eyes. And thank you for your forgiveness for the times that I have.

PS: Could y’all pray for me to stand true to this, too? I would really appreciate it. And I wasn’t kidding about tonight… I wonder what God has planned. Please pray that I may see it and act honorably.

Comments

4 responses to “Proverbs SOAP: Give to the poor. Don’t ignore their requests for help”

  1. deirdre Avatar
    deirdre

    can’t wait to hear what God had planned for you.
    .-= deirdre´s last blog ..new words this month =-.

    Reply
  2. Cheryl@SomewhatCrunchy Avatar
    Cheryl@SomewhatCrunchy

    Angela (Homegrown Mom) had some simple mission projects, one of which was to keep handy bags to pass out to the homeless should you need them. It was a great post, here’s the link :)

    http://homegrownmom.com/homegrown-kids/10-simple-mission-projects-to-do-with-your-kids/2149?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
    .-= Cheryl@SomewhatCrunchy´s last blog ..Bright and Shiny Lights of Public School =-.

    Reply
  3. Rebecca Avatar
    Rebecca

    I LOVE this post! I agree with you 100%. The Bible doesn’t tell us to give only if we are sure the person won’t use it for drugs, alcohol or prostitution. We are to give to all who need. I struggle to do it as well. My excuses are personal safety, most times. I won’t pull over to give someone money if my kids are in the car. I need to really pray about that because I believe that would be a good example for my kids to see.

    BTW, thanks to you, I started the Bible in 90 days. I am now in Hosea. :) It’s been eye-opening! Thanks for the encouragement!

    Reply
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    […] This post was mentioned on Twitter by MomsToolbox. MomsToolbox said: Do you give to the poor who ask? SOAP is up: http://bit.ly/cnN6Js […]

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