Is it Right or Wrong to give Alms?
By charmedguyp1
@charmedguyp1 (431)
Philippines
March 29, 2007 2:04am CST
My mom would always shoo away street children begging for coins and would always tell them to go find work. I remember that as a child I was always idealistic and therefore at times I would ask spare change from my mom so that I would be able to give it to beggars. yars later however, I have become quite cynical and I don't give alms anymore especially to kids who just use it to gamble. I remember my religion teacher in college telling the class that it is wrong to give money to these people. My problem with giving alms is that it is such a short term solution. These people need a job and a community wherein they can function normally. Some of these people are still able and instead they just lie there with their arms out pleading passersby for spare change. The problem is when you give to these people, it inspires mendicancy.
WHat is your take on this?
2 people like this
5 responses
@arseniajoaquin (1732)
• Philippines
29 Mar 07
"It is more blessed to give than to receive" (Acts 20:35). It is never wrong to give to anybody provided that it comes from your heart. If you are being forced to give, then don't give because that's a sin. In the New Testament, Kornelios was a Gentile but he helps other people and always pray to God and God heard his prayers and He sent Peter to him. God loves a cheerful giver. Always remember that if we give, we give to God, not necessarily to the one to whom we directly give. When I was not yet a convert, I was all mine to give and I believe that that's the reason why God called me - like Kornelios.
@celinlocario (334)
• Philippines
30 Mar 07
It is always right to give alms provided you are willing to do it and you do not give it with bitterness. Your gift or giving must be from the heart for God loves a cheerful giver.
@mariyamaka (931)
• India
9 Apr 07
It is good to give alms..... you should give to the right person!
@sallyxu126 (1184)
• China
12 Apr 07
I only give alms to old persone with labor.
Sometime, I will give some poor child,but not often.
I think child should not beg unless they loss parents and without anyone help him.
We should not give alms to person with labor, i think.
@jc_star10 (953)
• Indonesia
12 Apr 07
This is good question. I had that question pop out in my head few days ago. I saw now there was a lot kid standing next to street, and they all asking for money. I wonder what will happen with these kids once they all getting older ? Would they do the same ? Begging all time ?. I don't think that's the good thing to do. Everytime there was a beggar that come in my house asking for money, my family will always said to them to work first then you will get the money. Like mopping the yards, picking up grass, that will do. There are beggars that willing to do that. But there are some that just grumbling and went on. Oh well, not all people are same.
