What to do about Panhandlers
In my community, it is a common sight on certain intersections to see a man or a woman standing with a cardboard sign, asking for help. Recently, a shared video on social media showed a couple of these panhandlers walking across the street, after begging for help all day and getting into their parked car, a Cadillac car.
As you can imagine, that video went viral and stirred up all kinds of feelings in people.
I completely understand the feeling of being swindled or hard earned money being taken from you. Nobody likes that. I mean, look at some of the taxes we are required to pay. A city is proposing a 5 million dollar school tax increase to improve their schools. How fair is that to the taxpayer who have no children in the school system? Not everything in life is fair.
I completely understand that it isn’t right for people to stand on a corner and make more money than a hard working, employed, tax paying citizen like you and me. It’s dishonest. It’s unfair. And it’s downright un-American to not give Uncle Sam his fair share. Nobody is forcing you to give them your money.
So, now that we got our feelings out of the way. Can we take a moment to look at how Jesus may feel? Would He give to a panhandler?
I am reminded of a time when Jesus went to Jerusalem for a certain festival. As He walked towards the temple, He passed by the Pool of Bethesda. The Pool is a place where the disabled, the homeless and poor and the town throwaways would gather every day. Because the area was heavily passed by, these people would beg for money as people passed by.
As Jesus passed by, He noticed a man lying by the edge of the pool, he was begging from everyone. Jesus approached the beggar and asks a simple question, “Do you want to be made well?” Instead of a bold answer, the beggar responded with a bold excuse.
(John 5:7) “Sir, I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While I am trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me.”
Think about what Jesus was asking of this man. He was offering him a healing that would change this man’s life. For 38 years all he knew was to beg and be lame. To accept Jesus’offer would mean his entire way of thinking and living would be different.
I’m sure you all know how the story of the lame man goes, he accepts the help of Jesus and picks up his mat. However, there is one thing you don’t see in this story and that is Jesus doesn’t give the man any money. Just let that sink in a minute.
Giving a few dollar bills seems so much easier, but Jesus wasn’t an enabler, instead He offered the man something that would enable himself to pick up his mat and be well. It was his choice.
The reality check is this: as long as panhandlers can make money, they will try. It is their choice! It really shouldn’t matter to us what they wear or what they drive. The heart of the matter is this; has anyone offered them a chance to pick up their mat and be changed?
Sometimes the best help comes from the heart and not the pocket.
**while there are some who you will meet who are truly in need, it is with great wisdom that you seek God’s direction and if He nudges you to help in a monetary way, obey His lead. It is practical and wise to never give someone cash, but a meal or a coat or a gift card is always appreciated.
BLESSINGS. Laurie
@copyright2019 laurieadams
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Powerful message, Laurie. When I worked at a church office, the pastor never gave money, but gift certificates from a near by store. The stipulation on the gift certificate no alcohol or cigarettes, just food.