Question: Should I ever contribute directly to a needy person rather than through a church or other Christian organization? What are the advantages and disadvantages of doing this? Response: I remember how Larry Burkett taught us that sometimes it is proper to give directly to an individual. For example, when you’re trying to teach children the purpose of giving, it’s good to have them help a needy family. This allows them to see the benefits of giving in the lives of real people. If they give only through a church offering, your children may miss this. A second reason is that you also may want to have a personal ministry in people’s lives. This is evidence of truly caring, as 1 John 3:17 says: “But whoever has the world’s good, and beholds his brother in need and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him?” Giving directly to somebody demonstrates that you love and care about that person. HOWEVER, I don’t suggest you make a habit of giving cash! Instead buy or pay for what they need, whether it’s utilities, groceries, rent, etc. Why? Because too often a cash gift is diverted or misused. I also recommend that before you give to anyone, you verify that their needs are real, and not the result of mismanagement. If you don’t know how to provide financial coaching yourself, help them find someone who can. Be certain that what you’re doing is helping them out of a problem and not contributing to their problems.