Clement on Giving

"Do not you judge who is worthy or who is unworthy. For it is possible you may be mistaken in your opinion. As in the uncertainty of ignorance it is better to do good to the undeserving for the sake of the deserving, than by guarding against those that are less good to fail to meet in with the good. For though sparing, and aiming at testing, who will receive meritoriously or not, it is possible for you to neglect some that are loved by God; the penalty for which is the punishment of eternal fire. [Matt. 25:41-46] But by offering to all in turn that need, you must of necessity by all means find some one of those who have power with God to save. 'Judge not, then, that ye be not judged. With what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again; good measure, pressed and shaken, and running over, shall be given to you.' [Matt. 7:1-3, Luke 6:38] Open thy compassion to all who are enrolled the disciples of God; not looking contemptuously to personal appearance, nor carelessly disposed to any period of life. Nor if one appears penniless, or ragged, or ugly, or feeble, do thou fret in soul at this and turn away. This form is cast around us from without, the occasion of our entrance into this world, that we may be able to enter into this common school. But within dwells the hidden Father, and His Son, who died for us and rose with us." -- Clement of Alexandria, Who is the Rich Man that Shall be Saved?

This is the first time I've seen someone else enumerate the philosophy by which I live. I've said it many times before; in fact, I think I've written on here about it: I'd rather give to someone who doesn't deserve it than not give to someone who does. You hear the excuse all the time from people that they won't give to beggars because "they're just going to use it on drugs" or whatever. Well, they might. But that's not my job to judge. And I've received smirking, patronizing criticism for certain acts of charity. "You know, they're just scamming you, right?" Well, they may be. But then again, maybe they're not. I'd rather let myself be scammed than leave someone who really is in need destitute and hopeless. The Bible says "Give to everyone who asks of you." (Matt. 5:42, Luke 6:30). If they would rather use it on drugs or alcohol than food, then that's their choice. If they're lying to me and ripping me off, then that's on them, not me. I give the money in good conscience, and once it leaves my hand, it's no longer my responsibility. Besides, it's only money. Now, I won't give if I know for certain or firmly believe that it's going to be misused, or that the person is trying to hustle me. And I can't give always, to every single person--my resources are limited, and the Bible also says to be responsible with what God gives you. But I believe that we Christians should do as much as we can, whenever the opportunity presents itself, without raising questions of conscience that are most often just excuses for being selfish.