For the Christian, giving is not an optional pursuit but rather a foundational part of who we are and what we are called to do. Our very existence as children of God is due to the fact that "God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son that whoever believes in him should no perish but have eternal life" (Jn 3:16).
Jesus' direct words on the matter are anything but ambiguous: "Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you" (Matt 5:42). Clear, consise, Christ-like: Give. Give to the one, not to someone or sometimes, but to the one meaning everyone, every time. Really? Really!
But, I don't have enough money to give to everyone, every time. No, you don't. But, Jesus did not say give what the one asked you to give, he said "give." Peter and John were asked by a lame beggar for money in Acts 3:1 following, but instead gave him the ability to walk. What he asked for was not what he needed most - the power of the Christ within.
A beggar may be asking for money you do not have but you do have lunch you could share with him. A friend may be asking for a monetary bailout that would only lead to more fiscal irresponsibility, instead you provide her with a financial plan. Cash may be what someone needs but everyone needs Christ for certain. In giving cash, are you giving the gift of His Spirit or getting yourself off the hook, or perhaps setting the hook into the one asking?
What I'm saying is that while handing out cash might be the thing to do, if you have it. But, you may not have it or it may not be the thing to give. We need to be careful and prayerful when asked to give so that we always give but always Christ first in our giving over cash.
Did you notice I said "we?" I almost always want to hand over the cash someone asks or to someone I seen in financial straights, but my inclination has not always been right. But I have never been wrong when I take time to listen to someone and seek to share the heart of Christ with them. Jus' Sayn.
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