Afflicted

This topic, much like the last topic, has to do with unfortunate or unpleasant things happening to you. Specifically with being poor and all the things that go along with that. A good example that these two concepts are related is Job 34:28:

28 So that they cause the cry of the poor to come unto him, and he heareth the cry of the afflicted.

Every so often there is a sermon given about giving to the poor and charity in general. The final conclusions always seem to be three fold: give of your means to the church's charity foundation (100% of the collection goes directly to taking care of the poor in the congregation), give of your means to charities that you know are trustworthy, and listen to the Spirit as far as reaching out individually.

Many of us, including myself, have difficulties with the idea of giving handouts of money. For me personally, it is because I don't trust the person and because I'm not in a financial position to give money to every beggar I see. This brings on guilt that I can't be more loving to the individual, though I do try and help out where I can. I keep granola bars in the car and hand those out and I volunteer when I can, but I can't seem to purge from my heart the fear that they will take my handout and use it to buy alcohol or drugs. The last thing I want to do is be an unknown enabler, but at the same time I'm not to judge especially when I don't even know the person.

For those in my situation, I would say listen to the Spirit. There should be a better way to help the poor and address the needs of those who are currently on the streets begging, but for now there is really only our well meant actions and God's command not to neglect those in need.