Should I Give or Walk Away? A Biblical Approach to Helping Those in Need
We’ve all encountered it—the man standing at the intersection with a cardboard sign, asking for help. In that moment, a swirl of thoughts rushes in: Should I give? What if he misuses the money? Would Jesus help him? Am I being heartless if I don’t? As believers, we genuinely want to reflect Christ’s love, but we also recognize that not every need is necessarily our assignment.
The Bible calls us to do good works, but it also teaches discernment in how we help others. Does handing out money align with God’s will, or could it sometimes do more harm than good? More importantly, how can we know when we’re walking in step with the Spirit versus simply reacting to circumstances?
Let’s explore how Scripture frames our personal responsibility in doing good, the role of Spirit-led discernment, and how we can respond to those in need in a way that reflects both wisdom and Christ’s heart.
From a biblical perspective, the decision to give or not give to a man at an intersection holding a sign must be viewed through the lens of individual obedience to the Holy Spirit rather than a rigid, universal rule. The Scriptures reveal that good works are a fruit of faith and are to be Spirit-led, rather than driven by guilt, compulsion, or the assumption that every request must be met in the same way.
1. The Call to Do Good Works
The Bible encourages believers to do good, especially to fellow believers but also to others as the Spirit leads:
Galatians 6:10 – “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Ephesians 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
However, these good works are not done in the flesh but are Spirit-directed—not every opportunity is necessarily your assignment.
2. Discernment in Giving
Not every situation requires giving money, and Scripture offers guidance on wisely stewarding resources:
2 Thessalonians 3:10 – "If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat." (This speaks to those who refuse to work, not those who are unable.)
Proverbs 19:17 – “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and He will repay him for his deed.”
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
This means not every need must be met with financial assistance. Instead, the Spirit may lead you to:
Give food instead of money.
Engage in conversation to assess the real need.
Pray for and with the person.
Offer direction to a local church or resource center.
Sometimes, not give at all if you discern that doing so would enable harm rather than help.
3. The Individual’s Role vs. the Church’s Mission
This situation is about an individual’s Spirit-led obedience rather than the mission of the Church as a whole. The mission of the Church is disciple-making, but individual believers are called to live out their faith through love and good works. That does not mean saying “yes” to every need—it means walking in step with the Spirit.
Jesus Himself did not heal every sick person He encountered, but He always did the Father’s will. Likewise, the Holy Spirit may lead you to help one person but walk past another because God has prepared different works for different moments (Ephesians 2:10).
4. How Should You Respond?
If you see a man at the intersection, you can:
Pause and ask the Holy Spirit – “Lord, is this someone You would have me assist?”
Be open to various ways to help – money, food, conversation, prayer, or nothing at all.
Trust that obedience is in following the Spirit, not in meeting every need – you are not Jesus’ replacement on earth, but His vessel.
Final Thought
Giving or not giving is not the ultimate issue—the issue is obedience to Christ and Spirit-led discernment. If God nudges you to help, do so joyfully as unto the Lord. If He does not, trust that He is directing you elsewhere and that His provision is not solely dependent on you. The heart of the matter is walking in intimate fellowship with Christ, where every action flows from His life within.