Taxi Fare 3?

Jesus said, give to everyone that asks.

Yes, I know that Paul, or somebody spiritual, said if you don't work you don't eat. Okay, but Jesus said give to everyone that asks. I don't know what the context was for the no work no eat passage, but Jesus spoke his words in his sermon on the plain. It is tucked in with some other hard sayings describing exceptional love and mercy. It is a new way of living, kingdom living. So much different than what our culture teaches. In fact, pretty much the opposite. No rugged individualism here.

Not sure what to do with this verse.

I know it played in my head the other night, as did lots of other ideas, as I was reflecting on whether to give the poor woman $10.

Another thought that went through my head was that that $10 I had in my truck was nothing to me. I could have just as easily blown my nose with it and my life would not change in any way whatsoever. But, it could be that that $10 would mean a lot for this woman with few options. I suppose that was why she was asking. That $10 could also go to any number of other great causes. But they weren't standing there asking me. She was.

Give to all who ask. No, I am not going to do this for lots of reasons that make sense, like not wanting all the crack heads to start lining up. But this particular poor woman with a marginally credible story asked. Should I give to her, right now?

Drop in, Mark, drop in. I'm listening. Ask her a few more questions. Give yourself some space. God, help me. What's it to you, Mark? What's it to her? But... Breath. Listen...