Neighbors

Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it. Say not unto thy neighbour, Go, and come again, and to morrow I will give; when thou hast it by thee Devise not evil against thy neighbour, seeing he dwelleth securely by thee.  Strive not with a man without cause, if he have done thee no harm. Proverbs 3: 27-30 KJV

Do not withhold him from doing good, who is able: if thou art able, do good thyself also. Say not to thy friend: Go, and come again: and to morrow I will give to thee: when thou canst give at present. Practise not evil against thy friend, when he hath confidence in thee. Strive not against a man without cause, when he hath done thee no evil Proverbs 3:27-30 Douay Rheims

I wanted to make sure to separate giving to the poor or homeless and giving to someone you know well or are in your life. It has been said this is the golden rule of life in Matthew 7:12 "Therefore all things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them: for this is the law and the prophets." One could say do unto others as others should do for you. The unfortunate part is that the Lord had to tell us in Proverbs, Matthew, and other places in the Holy Bible because we suck as humans. We are evil towards others.

Giving and helping the homeless or needy is the right thing to do. Giving to friends in their time of need is also the right thing. The other day, a friend came over to help me cut up some large branches that needed a chainsaw. He did not have to do it, but he did. A discernment factor exists where a neighbor is not in need but continues to ask. You hear stories of someone helping out only to find the opposite is true. You have an expertise, help your neighbor.  

I walk my dog every morning and see things like nails and sharp objects on the ground. I could walk by and leave it, but I pick it up so it won't puncture a tire or, better yet, a person's foot. We can do little things daily to help our neighbors; when the time comes for something big, and you can help, the Lord asks you to help at that time, not tomorrow or the next day. Life is hard; people need other people in times of need. It is not about giving to give but helping to help those who are in your life.