Sometimes I get annoyed with beggars, and then I get annoyed at being annoyed.

When approached by a beggar, most of the time I’m able to surrender to Jesus’ feelings and can feel His compassion for them. And upon giving, I make it a point to let them know that I give out of God’s love for them. This usually happens when I’ve never seen the person before and/or when the person appears to be mentally handicapped.

Other times, though my spirit may be willing, I find myself succumbing to my flesh and I am hesitant about giving; especially when the person looks like a healthy male who can work, or when I sense that the person’s story of need is a con game. In those cases, sometimes I’ll give; sometimes I won’t

But after all is said and done, what annoys me the most is that I’ve based my non-giving on trying to determine if the beggar is worthy. I shouldn’t be concerned with that. And I’m also annoyed that I think I have the right not to be bothered by another human being who claims to be in need.

Instead of feeling put upon, and placing myself in the role of being the character judge, I’d rather just give; the giving being works of faith. To Paraphrase James 2:15, 16; if a person is without and in need, giving lip service without providing for the need, just doesn’t cut it. So if I’m played for a sucker, then so be it.

With God’s help, and I’m praying for it, the attitude and conviction in which I desire to walk, comes from Eph. 4: 28, “…he must labor, performing with his own hands what is good, so that he will have something to share with one who has need.”

To me, this passage says that the reason we work is to help take care of others; not only our families, but the stranger too.

Legitimately or not, when a person begs, a need is expressed.