Give to Those Who Ask

When I’m leaving my neighborhood grocery store, I often see a young man standing on the street corner, holding a sign. It says, “Homeless. Please give. Anything helps.” He stands there week after week, hoping someone will notice him and contribute. I’ve grown used to seeing him, and I don’t always remember to notice whether he’s there. Occasionally, I give him a few dollars, but I wonder: Is my money truly helping him?

Then I read Luke 6:30 — “Give to everyone who asks.” And I ponder what it would be like to live out these words of Jesus wholeheartedly. Jesus doesn’t ask me to set up a charity organization or determine what the man should be doing with his life. Jesus just asks me to give. What if I simply give what I can to everyone who asks — without judgment about whether they need it or whether it will be used well? What if I make an extra effort to be present and attentive to those around me who need help?

Some days I can give the man one dollar. Some days I can give five dollars. And some days all I can give is a heartfelt prayer as I drive by. But when I give what I can to everyone who asks, I can trust that I’m listening to Jesus’ words and learning to follow him more closely.