We need to be more discriminating and careful in our charity. It does no good to throw money at a problem to salve our consciences hoping that the problem will go away. Everyone needs their basic rice and beans and basic clothing and shelter but we need to reserve our best efforts for those with the capacity to change and productively respond to the help we give. We need to be laser focussed on doing just enough to help such people get traction and build successful lives and relationships.
Frequently the help we give will be to people who are close to us economically and socially. Our help may not advance their immediate material well being but it may rather help them socially, emotionally and above all spiritually.
Some may suggest that such help is self serving. The difference will be intentions. And there is nothing wrong with being blessed by helping another.
UPDATE: Typically the people who can help someone in need the very most are those who are closest to the situation. Yet their proximity to the need also implies that they themselves have unmet needs. We best help when we focus our love and concern on the people closest to us who can in turn help others they are closer to than us.
This does not imply that we never help the most desperate but we meet desperation with the bare essentials to sustain life not ways to extend lifestyle.
UPDATE: Typically the people who can help someone in need the very most are those who are closest to the situation. Yet their proximity to the need also implies that they themselves have unmet needs. We best help when we focus our love and concern on the people closest to us who can in turn help others they are closer to than us.
This does not imply that we never help the most desperate but we meet desperation with the bare essentials to sustain life not ways to extend lifestyle.
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