Rarely does a week go by that someone does not call the Church or stop by asking for financial assistance. Every time it happens I am filled with a mixed bag of emotions. I want to help people. I also do not want people to take advantage of Christian’s good nature. We are called to be both innocent and wise.
What I mean is, “Will this gift of financial help be used wisely or be wasted on some less that Godly endevour?” That is the tension I constantly feel.
Several years ago I was struggling with this issue and it led me into a conversation with an associate minister of mine. I told him my concerns and then he echoes my feelings. Finally he said something that I will never forget. He said, “We are responsible to God to give of our resources and they will be held accountable for what they did with it.”
This one line has helped me to be a more giving person. I try (emphasize try) to be a giving person not based on my thoughts about the person receiving. My giving is connected solely to my faith in God. The person receiving also has responsibility, but that is between them and God.
Second Chance Pastor 
Amen
That is so good and, no doubt true. It’s always difficult for me to know how to handle those everyday situations where you drive or walk by someone holding a sign asking for help. Makes it easier to keep going when they haven’t directly reached out to me personally, just reaching out to anyone. I’m never sure if and how much to help so I often take the path of least resistance and keep moving. Anyone have thoughts for those situations?