There really are no rules except that it must be to someone you don't know, without any preconceived notions of what they'll do with any money you give them or assumptions of how or why they are in the situation they are. Always keep in mind that most of us are only 2 weeks away from homelessness and especially "there but by the grace of God go I." Technically, once you give someone money or a gift, it is theirs to do with as they wish. Even if they are drug addicts or alcoholics, they still get hungry and thirsty. Besides, what they do with it is between them and God, you are not part of their relationship. I know many carry cheap food and water to give but what if they need the money to buy their child medicine? What good is that little bit of food and isn't that sort of judgmental? Are we called to be holier than thou, self-righteous and that tells them exactly what you think they are. I know someone who had to beg once because they ran out of gas and had left their wallet at home. A pack of nabs and a bottle of water wouldn't have helped them at all and it would have hurt them. If you're going to give, do it graciously, cheerfully and with love. One day it might be you or a loved one in that situation. Things are getting very bad out there. Also, if you found out that they're homeless and drug abusers because they gave up years of their lives to protect a country that now hates them? They gave some but a lot of their friends gave all and they also witnessed it. I can only imagine what horror they must have to endure each day and then deal with a lot of so-called Christians who do nothing but judge and treat them with moral superiority.
When Jesus Christ paid your sin debt in total and nailed your name to the cross, which one of your sins did He pay for? Lies, theft, cheating? All of them just like He did theirs. He freely gave, we freely give! As He also said, be careful how you treat others as you may be entertaining angels unawares.
Be kind, be compassionate and don't expect to feel any different. You may even feel a bit of resentment because you wanted that money for something else. You may feel used, lied to or taken advantage of. Now I am not asking you to give hundreds of dollars here, unless the situation calls for it, I'd say $5 is a good amount UNLESS the Holy Spirit leads you to do something different. Your job is to obey the rules, not question them and He doesn't need to justify His reasons to you. So if you don't feel really "special" and "good" afterwards, give Him the glory! You shouldn't be rewarded by "feeling good" for doing the right thing. That's part of the problems in the world today. Do right because it's what God expects. Besides, He's not just your God, He's the God of us all and maybe, just maybe, that blessing wasn't meant for you at all! Maybe you needed to learn a lesson, like humility or meekness.
I don't need to know what you did, how much you gave or any personal info as I truly believe giving should be anonymous. I appreciate anyone willing to participate in this challenge but give God the glory and praise for the opportunity to do His will and found you worthy of the call. Don't expect thanks and please, don't let others make a big deal over it. Always give honor where honor is due. Like I told the woman the last time I did this, I just follow the orders, I don't question them. Warning...it can be addicting! Also, you don't have to go out looking, if you just ask, He will put the person in your path that He wants you to help. If He doesn't....wait. His time and ways are not ours. Have fun though. It is awesome to obey the Spirit! God bless and tell me what you did but no big details please AND thank you in advance. Otherwise, you won't get one cos I don't believe thanks should be given for doing the right thing. Your reward is in Heaven and much better than anything man could give you but THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR DOING THIS!
And the best ARK would be to spread the Good News!
First Corinthians 15:1-4
Death + Burial + Resurrection = SALVATION!
AMEN!
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