Giving to the Worthy Poor

Margaret was once again showing her concern for the poor. Dropping off used clothes, to help people in the community who are struggling.

She goes back decades in her concern for the poor. She was telling stories about the Great Depression along with her recent stop at the local food bank to deliver some can goods.

She addressed her concern for who would be receiving her donated clothes: "Make sure someone deserving gets these."

She emphasized this because she had noticed what she considered improper behavior at the food bank. She had spotted someone smoking. She said, "If they can afford cigarettes, they can afford food." These types of recipients of charity seem unworthy.

Wouldn't it be best if we all tried to make certain our charitable giving went to the worthy poor.

Well…this isn’t Jesus’ formula. Listen to His words: "Give to him who asks of you." No distinction between the right people and the wrong people.

And then Jesus goes on to say, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same?"

People who don’t know Jesus, will give to a worthy cause. A worthy person.

As Christians, we need to different. We should give to those who seem unworthy. Like Jesus did for us on the cross.

For us. Such unworthy sinners.