When I was in high school the guidance counselor could always be depended upon to make a loan. Milk or cookies were only a dime. He was about to loan to a student who owed me money. I said, you know you will never see it again. He said, “If they do not pay me back, I have not lost much, and I have learned not to loan them a greater amount.”  

Some people say they do not give anything and do not expect to be given to. Perhaps they have learned that lesson from others, or have experienced it.  Once on a move I had to have about $1400 to get into an apartment. I was willing to wait until I got paid, but one of the assistants said, “Why wait, I just sold some stock and you can pay me back when you get it.”  

When it comes to beggars, they can be categorized into two types. Those who have no choice and are forced to do it, and those who have mastered the art of begging and make a substantial amount of money from it. How do you decide in a split second, which? Trust your heart.

This scripture is taken out of context. Jesus said, “For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me”.  This was said in reference to the expensive flask of ointment that was poured over Jesus’ head. The disciples had said that it could have been sold for a large sum of money and given to the poor.  

Many look at it as if to say, why worry about those that are less fortunate. Even Jesus said that there will always be the poor.  Others look at it to mean that we should be concerned and do something about it. Jesus answers this question. Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done (Proverbs 19:17).

For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me. I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.

Then the righteous will answer Him, saying, Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink?  And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? And the King will answer them, as you did it to one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did it to me” (Matthew 25:35-40).

If you are ever in doubt, the Apostle Paul reminds us to “Let brotherly/sisterly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body” (Hebrews 13:1-3).