“There’s a danger to adopting a “one-size-fits-all” approach when we’re asked for money. A stock answer or unbending principle flirts with treating the man or woman in front of us as a problem to be solved or awkward situation from which to quickly move on, as opposed to a person to be encountered and somehow to bless. A good answer to the question depends entirely on a specific situation as it presents itself and the unique individual asking for money. If there are unbending principles to apply, they are love and dignity.”

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Giving to those on the street is more about dignity and humanity than money - The Washington Post

This article is worth the read. It focuses on the transaction of giving money to people asking for it on the street, but it really translates to all forms of charity. As Christians, we need to move beyond the idea that charity is a transaction between someone with resources and someone without and about the transformation of us all. 

Great reminder today.