WHY LIE? NEED BEER!!!

Often times, I observe motorists giving money to people just like this man pictured above. "What is truly the right thing to do?" is a question we all must ask ourselves. We all know the story that Jesus told concerning how the Good Samaritan cared for his neighbor. Through this story, Jesus revealed that our fellow man was our neighbor. Are we to be good Samaritans concerning those who compel us for help by using signs on street corners? 
The Bible states in Micah 6:8, "...And what does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" 
What is the just, loving and merciful thing to do as we walk humbly before God? Is it truly an act of kindness to give money or to refuse money to our fellow man that we find in these circumstances? The Apostle Paul implores us in II Thessalonians 3:3, 'For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If any man will not work, neither shall he eat." Indeed, what a tall order from the Apostle Paul! His command to the church was that it should not make provision to feed an able man who refuses to work. Paul is clearly saying that people who unashamedly ask for money, yet are able to work, should do so. Do Paul's words conflict with Christ's miracle of multiplying the loaves and fishes to feed the multitudes? Certainly not! Could it be that there was a greater purpose for the miracle than merely feeding the masses? Jesus stated that the works (miracles) that he did proved he was indeed the Messiah (John 10:37-38). The feeding of the five-thousand declared a statement concerning eternity and the condition of men's hearts. It demonstrated that Jesus Christ is the bread of Life and those who hunger and thirst for righteousness shall be filled. There's an old Chinese saying, "If you give a man a fish you'll feed him for a day, but if you teach a man how to fish you'll feed him for a lifetime." Could it be that Jesus is looking beyond the natural needs of food and raiment as He did so long ago when feeding the 5,000? Jeremiah 29:11 states, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Could God's design and purpose for man be so grand that we do a disservice to our fellow man when we feed him for a day when God intended him to feed himself for a lifetime? God's plans for man are so noble that we dishonor God when we grant him the indignity of eating food and receiving money he made no attempt to earn. Will a man starve if we refuse him food or money? No, but the outcome will be a biblically mandated one as outlined in Proverbs 16:26, "The person who labors, labors for himself, For his hungry mouth drives him on." Working is an honorable use of one's time and efforts. The Bible tells us that it is God's gift to man for him to eat and drink and enjoy the benefits of his labor (Ecclesiastes 3:13). Taking an entry-level job at a fast-food restaurant would be one step in the right direction for a person previously holding a sign. An honest day's work for an honest day's pay is still a good thing. So, often I have seen men in our program regain both dignity and hope after landing some basic employment. They begin the journey of learning to care for themselves and also to care for others. God's principles still work today and are truly best for everyone. Once again, "What is truly the right thing to do?"