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I do not have children. So it is easy for me to think about all the wonderful things I will not fail to teach them someday. When I think of all the areas of life that I wish I knew more about, or wish I had been taught as a child, I make a mental note to add it to my future children’s study guide. When the time comes and if the Lord sees fit to bless me with children I am sure most of this mental study guide will be the last thing on my mind. Survival mode will most likely become my best friend. I may have a fairy-tale perspective at this point but I do know it is important to equip children/disciples to survive as a believer in this fallen world.

 

When I read this article I remembered that you cannot pass down a trait if you do not possess the trait. As the saying goes, more is caught than taught. And seeing that an article titled “Ever Wonder What To Say To A Homeless Person? Here Are 5 Things to Say And 5 Things Not to Say” exists shows I am probably not the only one who could stand to be better equipped in the topic.

 

I believe that the Lord has a deep love for the poor and needy. (Deuteronomy 15:7-8) I would love to teach my future children to love those that the world deems unworthy. I gained some great insight from this article. And I will have to put this knowledge into motion myself if I ever hope to pass it on to others. Here is an outline.

Do Say

  1. “I don’t have money, but is there another way I can help you?”
  2. “Did you catch the game?”
  3. “Good Morning”
  4. “How are you doing? Would you like to talk?”
  5. “I will keep you in my thoughts”

 

Don’t Say

  1. “Why don’t you get help?”
  2. “Here’s a dollar. Please don’t use it to buy alcohol.”
  3. “Why don’t you go to a shelter?”
  4. “You don’t seem like you should be homeless.”
  5. “Get a job.”

This “Do” list needs to be taught to everyone because it seems we have forgotten or were never taught how to value each other by simply speaking to one another. We should all acknowledge each other and respect the fact that we are all made in the image of the One True Living God. People that are begging for help and possibly homeless are made in the image of the same God and should be treated with the decency. And as for the “Don’t” list, I feel these are unfortunately the responses we have been taught in our culture. So, we may be behind but do not be dismayed! There is still hope and we can change the norm by refusing to conform and by being devoted to each other in love.

 

I hope you found this helpful. Read the full article for full descriptions as to why these comments are either a “do” or “don’t”. Go out and share the love that has been freely given to you.

Photo Credit: It’sGreg via Compfight cc