Panhandling Scams

Friday night, we decided to make a run to White Castle. As suburbanites, we fear any sort of urban setting. We went through the drive through but it took a very long time. While we were waiting, we were approached for money.

Obviously, any sort of story these people come up with will be a ruse. We all know that as educated and fairly street savvy individuals. Even though I knew better then to give any of these people money, I felt compelled.

While I was sitting there in the car, thinking about the various reasons to give or not to give money to one of these people, I thought about this one time at Pathmark.

We were coming out of Pathmark with some groceries for one of our Sunday night dinners. As we came out, a girl asked us if she could get a ride from us. We all kind of looked at each other very nervous and awkward. My mom insisted that she was crazy and that we shouldn't help her. We had all come in one car, so there wasn't much room for her anyways. We apologized and proceeded to go back to my house.

On the way, we discussed the pros and cons of giving this girl a ride. I said that if it had been me, I would have given her a ride. Todd decided to go back and gave her a lift and things were good.

I thought of this incident at the White Castle drive through. I thought about all the various scams around the world, some more dispicable than others. I thought about my own callous heart and apathy towards people in general. Amongst all that, I made the rash decision of giving the guy cash. Knowing full well that the guy would go off and use it for whatever.

Afterwards, I thought of this verse:

Matthew 25:37-40

"Then the righteous will answer him, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?'

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

Now, giving money isn't exactly any of these things. But should I be held responsible for his lies? I am to show wisdom and discernment in my decisions. But what about showing compassion?

Some would say that I was taken advantage of. Then again, you can say that about a lot of Christian organizations.

I think I'll let God sort it out. He's much wiser than I.