I was in antigua this weekend walking to dinner.
A woman approached and with a sobbing face and distraugh demeanor explained how she needed money to get back to the city for an urgen family matter. At first she said she needed 70Q( roughly $6.50) then she asked for 50Q.
I offered to pay for her Uber since I did not have cash. I did but my policy is to not give out money to people asking trying to play emotions. I would rather pay more and avoid the conflict and treat it as a gift. She refused to take the money.
Was my lie a greater show of charity than to propagate a potential destructive behavior from that individual?
Did I steal that individuals free choice and thus rob them from a free expression of love?
I believe that when one is trying to do the right thing. To actually help, then the Lord puts in your heart and mind the potential to discern deceit.
If you are then bamboozled then it is as the Lord wills it since there is a genuine intent from the person to perform a charitable act.
These verses highlight the importance of showing kindness, generosity, and compassion towards those in need, emphasizing the responsibility of believers to care for the poor and vulnerable members of society.
Matthew 25:35-36 (NRSVCE):"For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you gave me clothing, I was sick and you took care of me, I was in prison and you visited me."
Luke 6:38 (NRSVCE):"Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back."
1 Corinthians 13:3 (NRSVCE):"If I give away all my possessions, and if I hand over my body so that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing."
1 John 3:17-18 (NRSVCE):"How does God's love abide in anyone who has the world's goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action."
Galatians 6:2 (NRSVCE):"Bear one another's burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ."
1 Timothy 6:18 (NRSVCE):"They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share."
Proverbs 19:17 (NRSVCE):"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD,and will be repaid in full."
Proverbs 22:9 (NRSVCE):"Those who are generous are blessed,for they share their bread with the poor."
Deuteronomy 15:11 (NRSVCE):"Since there will never cease to be some in need on the earth, I therefore command you, 'Open your hand to the poor and needy neighbor in your land.'"
Psalm 82:3-4 (NRSVCE):"Give justice to the weak and the orphan;maintain the right of the lowly and the destitute.Rescue the weak and the needy;deliver them from the hand of the wicked."
Isaiah 58:7 (NRSVCE):"Is it not to share your bread with the hungry,and bring the homeless poor into your house;when you see the naked, to cover them,and not to hide yourself from your own kin?"
Proverbs 14:21 (NRSVCE):"Those who despise their neighbors are sinners,but happy are those who are kind to the poor."
