The Christian Response to a Panhandler

By Richard Wines 

A man approached as I walked to my car from a restaurant. “Sir, Can I ask you a question?” Thin and middle-aged, he wore a polo shirt and cargo shorts.
I stopped.

“My family and I were traveling back from relatives and our car broke down. We’re stuck in this hotel over here.” The man pointed to a hotel down the block. “And we don’t have enough cash to get a room. I hate to ask, but do you have a couple of dollars?” He had the delivery of a used car salesman.

My heart beat faster and blood rose to my face. “Sounds like a scam to me.”
The man wrinkled his brow. “Man, you can just say no, you don’t have to treat me like that.” He walked away.

Guilt flooded through me. I’m a Christian. I was unprepared and hadn’t acted like Christ. I got in my car, but could not shake the hollow feeling in the pit of my stomach. I prayed for forgiveness and for wisdom to do better the next time.
So how should a Christian respond to a panhandler?

The gospels give many examples of how Jesus discovered and met people’s needs, both physically and spiritually. He fed the five-thousand, made the blind see, healed the sick, forgave sins, and exposed truth from lies. He did all this with compassion.
When confronted by a panhandler, we should follow the example of Jesus. He has given us a simple two-step formula.

1.Meet Physical Needs
2.Meet Spiritual Needs

Jesus met physical needs by healing people, feeding people, and performing a myriad of supernatural feats. While we can’t cure a disease or make a blind man see, we can provide a meal, give a blanket, or refer to a safe place to stay.

Only when physical needs are met will people be open to spiritual issues. In Jesus’ ministry, the physical miracles were done as a validation of His authority for the more important spiritual needs. In the same way, by meeting physical needs, we validate our love. The worst thing a Christian can do to a panhandler is to say “God bless you,” or “I’ll pray for you,” and not show him that you want to meet his physical needs.

When confronted by a panhandler, seek out his real need. If he gives you a story of his wife and kids at a hotel, offer to go to the hotel and meet his family. If he says he needs gas in his car, pump a couple of gallons yourself while you talk to him. If he says he needs food, give him food, or better yet, go to the restaurant and eat with him. Do not give cash, meet needs. The more dialog you have with a panhandler, the more opportunity the Holy Spirit has to work.

When a panhandler’s story doesn’t check out, don’t leave in disgust, show him love. That will be unexpected. Many panhandlers will try to walk away, but others will be open to the gospel or to prayer.

Two months after our first meeting, the same man approached me at a gas station. His story was slightly different, but the delivery was the same.

“You asked me for money two month’s ago,” I said.

He put his hands in the air. “Got me, I’m busted.” He turned to leave.

“Wait! What’s your name.”

“Stephen.”

I put out my hand. “Richie.” I pointed to the building. “I’m not giving you cash, but what do you need? Can I get you a hot dog or coffee?”

Stephen shook my hand. “No, I’m not hungry.”

“Can I pray for you?”

Stephen met my eyes and shook his head yes. “I’m pretty messed up.”

I put my hand on his shoulder and prayed.

He seemed grateful as he walked away.

I sat in my car and felt contentment. I probably could have done better by asking for specific prayer needs or inviting him to church, but I had acted like a Christian. Since then, I have encountered several other panhandlers. Each has proven to be a unique opportunity to grow my faith.

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