This week I was reading Psalm 41, and a verse jumped off the page:
“Oh, the joys of those who are kind to the poor!
The Lord rescues them when they are in trouble…
The Lord nurses them when they are sick and restores them to health.”
(Psalm 41:1,3 NLT)
That same week, I saw a number of panhandlers near malls and stoplights here in Calgary. Some held cardboard signs. Others just stood silently, hoping someone would notice. And I found myself in that familiar place again — the tension between compassion and caution.
What does it really look like to be kind to the poor without enabling harmful habits or being unwise with our giving?
1. Start with a Heart of Compassion
Scripture is clear: God cares deeply for the poor.
From the laws of Moses to the teachings of Jesus, we’re called to remember, serve, and stand up for the poor and oppressed.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17)
But compassion isn’t just about feelings. It’s about seeing people the way God does — with dignity, worth, and potential. Even if you decide not to give money, you can still look someone in the eye, offer a kind word, or simply smile. That act of human connection is a gift all on its own.
2. Be Wise as Well as Kind
Jesus said, “Be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). That applies here too. Giving money on the street may not always help the way we hope. It can sometimes fund addictions or create dependency.
That’s why many believers choose to give differently:
- Keep a few fast-food gift cards in your car.
- Carry a care kit (socks, snacks, toothbrush, water, etc.).
- Support local ministries that provide food, shelter, job training, and spiritual care.
Being wise doesn’t mean being cold-hearted. It means stewarding our resources in a way that leads to restoration, not just relief.
3. Pray for Discernment in the Moment
There will be times when the Holy Spirit nudges you: “Give something. Speak something. Do something.” And there may be other times when He says, “Not today.”
It’s okay to walk away without guilt — as long as you’re listening to the Lord and not just your own convenience.
What matters is that your heart stays open and soft.
“If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” (1 John 3:17)
4. Remember: We Are All Poor in Spirit
Jesus began His most famous sermon with this line:
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3)
At our core, every one of us is needy. Spiritually bankrupt. Dependent on God’s mercy. That levels the playing field and reminds us to approach others not from a place of superiority, but solidarity.
5. Don’t Let Guilt Lead You — Let Love Lead You
You won’t be able to help everyone. And you’re not supposed to. But you can live with a posture of kindness and generosity that reflects the heart of Christ.
As you drive past the next stoplight and see someone asking for help, ask the Holy Spirit:
“What does love look like here, Lord?”
And remember — even a cup of cold water given in Jesus’ name will not go unrewarded.
Question: What have you found to be the best solution or action in those settings?
