What should a christian do if a stranger asks for help?

Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. Do to others as you would have them do to you. Luke 6:30, 31

In my own experience, I just give money right then and there without thinking. If it helps a person get a quick meal to ease their hunger and thirst, help a person get just enough gas to help them home, hell, if it helps a junkie get a fix so they won't hurt anybody (except themselves but that's their choice) then I would gladly give them some money. Truthfully though, I'd just give what I had on hand to be helpful, but I won't empty my wallet completely just yet. But what I believe is that if you help your fellow man, then good karma will come on you. Maybe not for a while, but in some form, it will come back in a good way. Even if it doesn't pay dividends, then it the feeling alone that I did good will satisfy me. But if I were cheated, then I would be annoyed if I expected them to pay me back, but otherwise I'd just let it roll off my back and go about my own life. My advice; be helpful, but don't give all you've got because you may need some money for the bus. Unless you knew the person for a long time, don't feel any sort of annoyance when you don't get paid back, and above all, don't think too hard about it.

If you were hungry, I would give you food. If you were thirsty, I would give you something to drink. If you were cold, I would give you warm clothing. Those are the type of things a person has need of. I have no problem in helping a person out with needs. However, I would never give money, especially not for a person's wants when there are so many starving folks right here in America alone. I am all for giving, but a person has to know how to give good gifts without compromising another's blessing. God Bless!

Nicholas, there is no rule of thumb for this, but there is a solution. Follow the lead of God the Holy Spirit and treat each situation as unique. We've had strangers approach us for money or other kinds of help. In the case of money, we are hesitant to give sums to people without knowing that they will be used in a right way for them. We've walked around with sandwiches to give to those that are hungry, and we've paid for some meals, but we have rarely just outright given money. In all cases, we were sensitive to the leading of God the Holy Spirit as to what to do and how and when to do it.

Nicholas, thanks. If a stranger is in need of food being hungry I may help. If he need some of money to build future or project or even a shelter to sleep over night, I am not forward for that. The Gvmt. provided such. I do not know that stranger. He may be a big cheet.

Stone the stranger to death. Or better yet, enslave him. The Biblical God would not disapprove of such actions (don't believe me -- read some of the Old Testament).

Jesus said- "if someone is hungry or thirsty- feed them. if someone is homeless and cold- take them in, give them clothes. if someone is hurt or in trouble- help them, spend time with them. my friends, it is not enough to say that you believe in me and that you love me- you must show the world you love me- turn your love into action."

if you don't feel comfortable giving them money- find out what they need the money for and go get what they need.

we're not told if Jesus ever gave anyone any money- I doubt it- He went straight to the need:)

I know of some Christians who do not give handouts,cash or any help whatsoever because they mistrust the person.

I believe it is up to the individual to make their own judgment whether to give money or to help that person to help himself or herself.

It all depends on the situation,circumstances and events.

I would give them the money. And have faith that the Lord will send his blessings in return. But when you give, you have to give as though you're not expecting it back. God blesses us with what we have. And there's always more where it came from. Jesus is Awesome!

Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again. And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise. For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.

Don't let someone borrow money, just give it to them. The Bible often talks about not being surety for a stranger.

Pray to God for wisdom; don't be foolish.

He that is surety for a stranger shall smart for it: and he that hateth suretiship is sure.