If you are in the trenches of a Christian debt consolidation program, the last thing on your mind might be helping the needy in your community. You might very well be feeling as if you yourself are the needy one right now. However, the Christian obligation toward the needy is a relevant financial issue and as you continue your journey toward financial freedom you will have more disposable income with which to give. The question for many individuals is not should they give. Most Christians understand the giving principals and want to keep blessings flowing their way by giving to others. The question is to whom do we give? And how much of our own personal prejudice gets in the way of our giving to others?

Christians and the Poor

Mark 14:7 tells us, “For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good.” The interesting phrase here is “ye may do them good.” We would be quick to say that this only refers to giving someone money, however doing someone good can include a lot of things. A truly poverty stricken person who needs additional income would be “done good” by being offered employment also, or by someone taking the time to help them learn a new skill, or sponsoring their efforts to get additional training which would help them obtain employment. A struggling, needy mother may need dependable Christian child care which she could trust while she sought work. There is a lot more to doing good for someone than simply handing them a few dollars.

Christians often get judgmental concerning the poor because they are thinking only in terms of handing out cash. This is not all that the poor are in need of. Food banks, child care, skills training, money management classes, transportation while looking for work, and/or clothing for job interviews are just a few non-cash ways that the poor can be greatly assisted. This type of help takes the focus off of cash donations and puts the focus on service, Christians serving those in need. These types of contributions are actually far valuable than simple cash because it is helping people learn how to sustain themselves.

Christians and the Homeless

Few aspects of our culture conjure up such emotions as the issue of the homeless in our communities. The homeless bring on a mixture of feelings in different individuals. Some feel overwhelming compassion resulting in an outpouring of giving and service. Some feel anger and judgment toward this part of our population. Others feel awkwardness or indifference. When there is not a balance, any of these reactions can become un-Christ like, including indulgent giving which can enable individuals in their pattern of bad life choices which have caused their homelessness.

Christianity is about transformation, and if any demographic our society needs transformation it is the homeless. There are a myriad of causes for an individual’s homelessness, and it is unjust to lump everyone into the same heap and pass judgment. Each individual must be met on their own personal need level. Some of these individuals are in need of mental health services, some are in need of job training, and some are in need of medical assistance. When you become involved somehow with assisting these individuals you will notice a decrease in any anger, prejudice or indifference.

Wisdom is key, and helping in ways which encourage a self-sustaining lifestyle can make an impact for decades to come.