Give to Those in Need
Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. Matthew 5:42
I have a confession. When I’m asked for money by people on the street, I generally ignore them. They’d just spend what I give them on drugs and booze, right? I am doing them a favor to withhold a handout. They should seek out social service organizations that can give them real help.
One day I was talking with my son Sheridan, a young musician. He makes ends meet with a variety of teaching and performing gigs. He rarely buys new clothes. His cell phone and computer are veritable antiques. He can’t afford to waste a dime.
The subject of the homeless came up. I made my usual comments to justify my closed mouth and closed purse on city streets.
“I never turn anyone away who asks me for money. I like to buy them coffee and sit on the curb with them for awhile. Mom, they have amazing stories. I really think it’s the talking they need the most,” Sheridan responded.
Who is right?
Jesus makes it very clear. Sheridan is right. We are to give to those who ask of us and never ignore those who would borrow from us—even when it’s clear there can never be repayment. The poor do have amazing stories–heartbreaking stories of financial reverses and losses, overwhelming medical bills, mental illness. They swallow their pride to ask for a dollar or two, and endure the parade of no’s from people like me. Does some of the money fuel bad habits? Probably. But who are we to judge? Most importantly, these hard-luck brothers and sisters need a friend. A curbside chat. A chance to be treated as human beings.
Christ puts no conditions on giving. He sees into every heart, including our own. Maybe it’s us who need the transaction the most—to be the giver of a moment’s respite — a moment of light on a dark, dark day.
In the end, it’s only money. And when money stands between His children, Jesus demands we break down the barrier and level the playing field… even the tiniest bit.
Try it, next time you’re approached on a city street. Just give what you can — especially the gifts of your time and listening heart. Count on our Lord to do the rest.
Elise Seyfried is the Director of Spiritual Formation at a suburban Philadelphia Lutheran church, actress, writer, wife, and mother of five. She is the author of the book Unhaling: On God, Grace and a Perfectly Imperfect Life. Her work has appeared in such diverse places as The Philadelphia Inquirer, The Lutheran Digest, Simul: Lutheran Voices in Poetry, Guideposts Magazine and theWittenburg Door. She was lyricist for the Stanley Drama award-winning musical Flight, and is co-author (with her husband Steve) of fifteen plays for children.
