In the name
of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away
from every believer who is idle and disruptive and does not live according to
the teaching you received from us. For you yourselves know how
you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we
eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked night and
day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did
this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to offer
ourselves as a model for you to imitate. For even when we were with you,
we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” 2
Thessalonians 3:6-10
It’s up to
the discretion of the individual to decide whether to help someone in need on
the side of the road. Some homeless are
sick and their minds are lost. Some are
victims of circumstance that they could not overcome. Many homeless live off the generosity of
others without ever trying to get their own job. They miss out on the feelings of satisfaction
and fulfillment that comes with a job well done.
Jesus
healed the hurting and down-and-out so they could experience a better
life. He never handed out money to the
homeless (because he himself was homeless and not rich).
Paul’s
words to the church of Thessalonica talk more about the believer who does nothing
and expects people to help him. He tells
the congregation to not provide for that kind of person. This seems brutal, but it’s more like tough
love, designed to shame the person into productivity.
A believer
would model his life after Jesus, who worked tirelessly during his ministry,
helping others and finding support along the way. People wanted to give him food, shelter and
finances because he did so much for them.
If your
heart is pure and the donation to a homeless person is given out of sincerity,
God will be pleased. If the homeless
uses the money for ungodly purposes, you won’t be judged.