Comments for blog.limedaley.com/post/1-john-316-18

Comment #47

2005-09-30T10:45:46Z

I think the issue is that by giving money directly to most of these people, you are not throwing a line to a drowning man, you are putting weights on his ankles. Acts that masquerade as kindness, and may even be meant with much love and good will, can still be harmful. Ask any mother who has spoiled her child out of "love" and watched him self-destruct as an undisciplined, self-centered teenager.

Come to think of it, I know a runaway teen who might have escaped a very dangerous situation much sooner had he not discovered that panhandling was easy and lucrative. It was his hunger that drove the Prodical Son home.

Comment #46

2005-09-30T10:28:16Z

If a person falls in to a river, do you not throw them a line because they "should have learned to swim at a young age" or "should not have stood so close to the river" or "should have worn a life preserver while near the water?"

All are things we can blame the individual for for "not doing" to better protect themself. But aren't they really excuses that are intended to release us from any responibility to help? Sometimes, all a person needs in the moment is a line thrown to them. What comes next can then be dealt with next. But it's hard to make those changes while you are drowning.

No act of kindness is ever wasted. It may not be the "ultimate solution" to a given problem, but the sentiment expressed if not the action has value in and of itself.

Comment #45

2005-05-31T16:02:54Z

There has been an ad campaign recently about not giving food to the homeless, the phrase is something like, "if you give me spare change, I will stay on the streets, instead give your money where it can make a difference - to the local charities, etc".

Comment #44

2005-05-31T15:52:55Z

If someone wants to move forward in life he can. If he chooses not to he can. What responsibility lies with the one in need? We can feed him for a day or a week but he must desire to have a change. Many wont change until the pain in at a all time high. I'm not refering to mental issues.

Check out http://www.infinitychurch.com

Jack

Comment #43

2004-08-13T14:42:00Z

A friend pointed me to second Thessalonians chapter 3, particularly verses 6 through 15.

I am not sure if these two sections are speaking about the same thing. It certainly would be nice if they are, as it would be a little easier to not feel like we should take care of everyone that we see.

But, I don't want to take the easy way out either.