You know the situations. As you walk out of a shopping center you are approached by someone who asks: “Could you spare a few dollars? – I need help.” We have seen the signs many people carry – pulling at heart strings from every possible direction – “Homeless,” “Veteran,” “Injured,” “Hungry,” “Please help – God bless.”
Some of these cases may reflect genuine need, of course, but police officers and social welfare agents know that this is just a business for a good number of people and that they are not destitute at all. You know this, too, but how are we to judge a given case? What is the Christian’s right response when asked for help in such circumstances – should you always give? Our article “The Savvy Samaritan” published on this website today provides some answers that may be helpful. You can read the article here.