the right thing to do

i was on my way to meet D, HS and A for a very important dinner today. i took a bus to paya lebar station to take train. all was well.. semi-rushing from the bus stop to the station [one needs to keep up with the average walking speed] i walked past a beggar.

he was hundled in a slight recess along the pavement, sitting on an old piece of cardboard i think. he was wearing a characteristical loose white shirt and plain shorts. but the focal point was his left leg which appeared to be amputated from thigh down.

i walked, saw and walked on. maybe 5 steps down later, i heard the sound of metal-against-metal clanging sound of coins that i was jotted. i walked past a begger without even the slighest shred of compassion in my heart. i talk about joining G3 and all that but here is someone and i didnt even think to help. its so..appalling.

then i started wondering what is the right thing to do. well-meaning people tell you that its best not to donate cos you dun know if they belong to a syndicate of some sorts. some others say that one never knows what they do with the donated money - buy alcohol, cigs or drugs.

but that can be refuted by a "what if they really need the money?" shouldnt we give people the benefit of the doubt. perhaps we could really be feeding a money laundering syndicate but we will never be sure it is right? some also say to donate to buskers/tissue paper sellers cos at least they are doing something. and that again begets the question, "do we only give money to people who are useful/serve our needs?"

and perhaps the bigger question, "how much would the small one-time donation help?"and thereafter "is there something more that can and has to be done?"

what should the christian response be?

i have a head full of thoughts and questions now. and the renewed prayer for a tender heart again.