Alms giving is a virtue but there are beggars who annoy, especially if they look strong and healthy and fit to work. I admit, I won't give to someone who is fatter and younger than my mother even if they use a snooty baby as their props.
There is a rule against mendicancy in one of our cities when an ethnic group from another region suddenly increased in the streets. They grouped themselves in three or four to approach someone, if the person refuse to give they will murmur in their language and make funny faces at you, but if you give in to the pressure, another group will come to beg too!
Is it wrong not to always give to beggars?
Message for July 5, 2011.
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Rejoice in the good news of others, do not be envious, do not compare yourself to them, for what is good to them might be bad for you. When your friend or someone else enjoys a bountiful life, rejoice for from that bounty you might be given a share of their blessings or from their bounty, I might ask them to help you.
My children, you should always help one another, share what you have received with those who have nothing. Be generous for I have been generous with you. Remember that saving treasures here on earth can be eaten by moth and rust but nothing can destroy the treasures you have stored in heaven.
Don't be skimpy when you give or be grouchy to those who ask, because if they have the means, they will not lower their dignity for your angrily given cents. Be kind to those who beg, they are also ashamed to do so. Even those professional beggars have their pride and shame and at night they silently cry.
Do not think they are unaffected by your scorn, they also get hurt. If your refuse, do it politely. Yes, I know there are others who beg for a living, it has become a part of their culture, my poor children misled by their shepherds.
Be generous and loving to them, even if they don't belong to the same church as you, they are still your brothers and sisters.
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