"What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. "
James 2 14-17
We came out of the service and took the short walk, along with many others, down to the river Thames. We walked past.
Whenever I walk straight past someone begging, I feel guilty. I don't always - sometimes I say hello, sometimes I stop and have a conversation, sometimes I offer to buy food or drink. But many times, I just walk past.
There's been so much publicity over the past few years about professional beggars that I am somewhat suspicious. Am always a sucker though for beggars with dogs, even if they look well cared for.
I think this passage was first written to fellow believers- we can be just as ignorant about other's needs within the church as we can outside! Secondly, the concern and care we show those outside the church are often the only way they know God cares for them too- a tall order to live up to! The Scripture also says we should be as wise as serpents and in this case it means using our resources wisely. Sometimes we care more for the poor by volunteering in an organization that ministers to them with food and clothing, or giving funds to them when needed and sometimes it does mean a person to person smile or bottle of water. The key is knowing where and how you can best serve because as Felicity points out there are so many that have figured out a way to scam people into thinking they are truly homeless when they are actually not. My husband saw this quite often when he worked in an inner-city mission. It's always good to follow your conscience and use your best judgment together. A thought provoking picture and commentary!
Great composition but I agree with the above comments. I was a vicar for 15 years in Blackpool and there were professional brpeggars there who made a good living and after a day's begging would walk to their cars and drive home! We even came across a scam where a baby was loaned out for others to go begging with! Sadly, the genuine cases then miss out.
What a powerful, thought-provoking image and commentary. And coincidentally, I was actually thinking of St. Paul's Cathedral today. Thank you for the food for thought.
@sugarmuser@shannejw@fbailey@olivetreeann@gaf005@janetb thank you all for your comments in response to mine on homelessness. I work alongside a homelessness officer for my home town in Bedford, and so am well aware of the complex issues and needs of the homeless and of the number of beggars who are earning a small fortune for their drug habits due to the generousity of the public. Despite this, I do not want to have a mind set that writes everyone off into this category without thought. So thank you for engaging, and I agree with all your comments. Giving to those local organisations that support the homeless is definitely the best option. Just seeing this man at the foot of St Pauls, as it were, prompted me to think about the connect between the worship and the genuine homelessness that is evident in the streets around at night.
