Question about giving to the poor.

[Leonardo Von]

On 1/1/2017 at 9:46 PM, Brittany said:

I know that we are supposed to give to the poor. I don't doubt that at all. But what if someone only pretends to be poor just to get money or other things, and you know it without a doubt? Are we still supposed to give to those people, or are we supposed to confront them and tell them we know they're lying, or both? I know that whatever we do, we're to do it in love. 

Dear sister Brittany,

 

Grace and mercy and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

That the poor should be helped, this can be seen in the verses below:

 

•    “He hath dispersed, he hath given to the poor; his righteousness endureth for ever; his horn shall be exalted with honour.” (Psalms 112.9).

•    “He that oppresseth the poor to increase his riches, and he that giveth to the rich, shall surely come to want.” (Proverbs 22.16).

•    “He that giveth unto the poor shall not lack: but he that hideth his eyes shall have many a curse.” (Proverbs 28.27).

•    “He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.” (Provebs 19.17).

•    “What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him? If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, and one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.” (James 2.14-17).

 

What we cannot do is make the same mistake that Joshua made:

 

•    “And when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done unto Jericho and to Ai, they did work wilily, and went and made as if they had been ambassadors, and took old sacks upon their asses, and wine bottles, old, and rent, and bound up; and old shoes and clouted upon their feet, and old garments upon them; and all the bread of their provision was dry and mouldy. And they went to Joshua unto the camp at Gilgal, and said unto him, and to the men of Israel, We be come from a far country: now therefore make ye a league with us. And the men took of their victuals, and asked not counsel at the mouth of the LORD. And Joshua made peace with them, and made a league with them, to let them live: and the princes of the congregation sware unto them.” (Joshua 9.3-6,14,15).

 

Even because it is not for us to judge, but to listen to the voice of Jesus in order to do His will (Matthew 7.21):

 

•    “But I say unto you, that ye resist not evil: but whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also. And if any man will sue thee at the law, and take away thy coat, let him have thy cloak also. And whosoever shall compel thee to go a mile, go with him twain. Give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not thou away. Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.” (Matthew 5.39-45).

 

After all, we have to give, not what we want, much less what the person asks or desires, but rather what Jesus has for their:

 

•    “And he entered into a ship, and passed over, and came into his own city. And, behold, they brought to him a man sick of the palsy, lying on a bed: and Jesus seeing their faith said unto the sick of the palsy; Son, be of good cheer; thy sins be forgiven thee.” (Matthew 9.1,2).

 

May Jesus help us to give to each one what he needs so that all the will of the Eternal fulfill itself in his life.

[enoob57]

Matthew 22:21 (KJV)

[21] They say unto him, Caesar's. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Caesar the things which are Caesar's; and unto God the things that are God's.