Did I do the right thing, or the wrong thing by denying a man his dignity?

Discussion in 'Off-Topic Discussions' started by Abner, Feb 12, 2018.

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  1. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    A homeless dude asked if I could spare some change in exchange for some food which he would purchase on his EBT (EBT is for stamps). I gave him five bucks and he kept insisting on buying me something in exhange. I said no, I can't accept it because that is not what the church tells me to do. I am taught to share with the less fortunate. (I did not tell him he was less fortunate.

    He then offered me half of the pizza he was eating. He said, yeah, but I feel like I owe you something. I said, no you don't owe anything. He finally took the money so he could take the bus. I told him to save the money he was given from EBT for himself.

    Did I do the right thing, or the wrong by denying him his dignity? I looked in his eyes, and I could tell he was a good man. I told him that we all need help at one time or other. I told him "Lord bless you brother", and he teared up a little bit.

    Don't they teach us a Christians to help the poor? I can't believe how many hypocrites go to church, but turn away someone who ask them for some spare change. I saw one guy give a homeless dude 25 cents, when he had a wallet of full of one dollar bills. I just don't get it.
     
    FTFaculty likes this.
  2. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    You did the right thing.
     
  3. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Thanks Ted. I left out one detail. I offered to pray for him, if he prayed for me wife (she has cancer) and I. His eyes lit up, and he said "Of course, I will" I figured that would make him feel like he gave something in return. Maybe that saved his dignity. He kept thanking profusely. Many are just one paycheck away from being homeless. Lord bless him, he will be in my prayers.
     
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  4. sideman

    sideman Well Known Member

    I agree that you did the right thing too. As Christians we must encourage one another and give of ourselves. When we look at others we need to visualize Jesus in that person and do for them what he would do for us.

    Also, sorry to hear that your wife is battling cancer. I will say a prayer for her and you. As a former caregiver I will ask you to take care of yourself too. It's easy to put yourself on the backburner while your wife is having chemo and radiation treatments. But if you go down, who will support her as well as you? Best of luck in defeating this awful disease.
     
    Abner likes this.
  5. Abner

    Abner Well-Known Member

    Thank you brother. I appreciate your prayers! I will try to heed your advice, even though I am really scared. I try not to show it. My wife is a very strong person, and she has been enduring chemo better than most. I believe the reason for that is that she has true faith! She continues to work even as we speak! She wears many different wigs despite her bald head.

    Thanks once again sideman, may my heavenly father bless you. :)
     
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  6. perrymk

    perrymk Member

    A long time ago I picked up a hitchhiker who wanted to give me something for the ride. I told him I didn't need anything, but when he was able he could give rides to two other people. He could even ask the same of those he gave rides to and that way we would multiply goodness. He seemed pretty happy about that option and readily agreed.

    So perhaps next time tell your homeless friend that when he is back on his feet, he can buy meals (or whatever) for two other people, and ask the same of those he gives to.

    Of course I have no way to verify that others keep their end of the bargain, but I like to think they will.
     
  7. FTFaculty

    FTFaculty Well-Known Member

    Definitely the right thing:)
     
    Abner likes this.
  8. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    In case it matters, helping him cash out EBT would have been illegal.
     

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