“Analyze This” (With apologies to Robert de Niro)

Luke 6: 30, 35, 38: “Give to everyone who asks of you … lend, expecting nothing in return … for God Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men … Give, and it will be given unto you … for by your standard of measure it will be measured to you in return.” First of all, know this is not talking about the tithe (which is not open to debate), but alms. Gifts for the poor. On the walk between the bus stop and my front door I am likely to encounter anywhere from three to five people with their hands extended, looking for a handout. We know the stories of the syndicates, and all that. So do we analyze, “Who is worthy of my alms, and who isn’t?” Instead, analyze these verses, relate them to your financial status, and see what God is saying about the issue.