Compassion

There are many injunctions in Scripture to be generous with the needy. It's a clear mark of those who serve God.

In America, it is difficult to know how to apply that. Certainly, we can, and should, give to agencies which offer international and local relief.

But it seems that a more personal involvement is called for, and that's where I struggle. If you visit any urban area, the needs become obvious, but the causes are more difficult to discern. How does one help the needy without enabling or even encouraging them to continue lifestyles which are destructive to themselves and those around them?