Tuesday, March 18, 2014

How do you treat the poor?

Proverbs 15: 12 says, "A mocker resents correction; he will not consult with the wise."

A mocker is someone who attacks and ridicules others. This usually happens with their words.
This type of person does not want to talk to wise people because they will hear the truth that how they treat others is wrong.

Our little local newspaper has a "Soap Box". This is where you can email comments anonymously and they will print your comment without printing your name. A few weeks ago, someone wrote about how we need to get the police to move the people who stand out by stores and ask for money. 

I had seen a couple with a baby on the corner of the parking lot at our Walmart that week, so I figured that was who they were referring to. This comment really bothered me. So I emailed in a response.

I basically said, "Why don't you be part of the solution instead of adding to the problem? They do not need to get in trouble with the police when they are obviously already having hard times." 

Of course, I got a response. The person said, "Hold on to your purse when you go by them, because they will probably take it. I have given them money before and they just buy alcohol."

At that point, I let it go. 

Here is the thing. If you feel like you should give someone money to help them. DO IT! 

What they do with the money is not on you. You did right by giving when you felt like you should. 

Proverbs 17: 5 says, "He who mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished."

When you pick on a homeless person, or make fun of people with a cardboard sign, you are showing contempt for GOD! Wow! Did you realize that? I didn't.

Everyone has a story. You never know how or why they got where they are. The one thing they do not need is your mocking or you telling them how bad they are. If you've never been homeless or hungry, what a blessing! I found this quote, but couldn't find the author. It is written in Arabic.

People need a hand up! Someone to come along side of them and tell them things can get better.  Will you be part of the solution? 

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