RAIN ON THE JUST AND UNJUST --- Matthew 5:45.
"He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." --- Matthew 5:45.
Many serious people are very ready to give alms to the pious part of their poor brethren, but are afraid of relieving a common beggar; and it must be owned that, as riches are a talent from God, they who have them must be in the distribution of them; the religious poor have the best claim, but others ought not be entirely overlooked, as is plain from the conduct of God himself, for "he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good."
Only common healthy beggars are forbidden alms; concerning whom God says, "If they will not work, neither shall they eat," 2 Thessalonians 3:10. It may be said, They will make an ill use of your bounty: but what then? Is not this very goodness to be recommended to us in Scripture, by the imitating of which we may show ourselves to be "the children of our Father which is in heaven, who sendeth rain on the just and the unjust?"
Shall I withhold a little money or food from my fellow creatures for fear he should not be good enough to receive it from me? Do I beg of God to deal with me, not according to my merit, but according to his own goodness; and shall I be so absurd as to withhold my charity from a poor fellow creature, because he may not perhaps deserve it? Shall I use a measure toward him which I pray God never to use towards me?
Lazarus was a common beggar; and yet he was in the care of angels, and carried into Abraham's bosom. "I was a stranger, and ye took me in," saith our blessed Saviour; but who can perform his duty, that will not relieve persons who are unknown to them? "As we have therefore the opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith."
Lord, give me faith which works by love,
And will good works command;
Which makes a neighbour's grief my own,
And lends a helping hand.