Is there ever a time not to show compassion? The answer must come quickly and be a loud, resounding "NO!" Compassion is always in order. But the more important question is "What is compassion?" For some, compassion = charity or benevolence (i.e., a "handout"). For many Christians giving a few cents or even dollars to someone begging is relatively easy and certainly seems more compassionate than not giving anything. Giving a small amount out of one's abundance is usually seen in our culture, even among Christians, as a huge act of compassion. It is certainly charity. It can even make the giver feel pretty good about him/herself.

But charity is insufficient and not the full biblical response of faith. God is a God of justice, not mere charity. God wants His people to be about justice -- being concerned with making things right in this world. Compassion is about justice, not mere charity. What does this mean? It means that our time, energy, money and other resources should be used not to give a few coins to someone on the street, but attack root causes of poverty, homelessness, poor education and other societal ills. We can even multiply our good efforts by giving to agencies that provide more direct services to those who are truly poor.

From a biblical standpoint, the Old Testament prophets were very clear about God's passion for justice. The Scripture references are numerous, such as Isaiah 58 (especially verses 4-8) and famously quoted Amos 5:21-24 and Micah 6:6-8. Religious ritual, which would include giving alms, was insufficient; justice was what God demanded.

In the New Testament we are also given several examples that can guide us in our giving. Remember the widow and her 2 mites (Mark 12:41-44)? Jesus made the point that others gave out of their abundance, while this woman gave sacrificially. Truly compassionate given involves a sacrifice, not the leftover coins that could easily fall out of pockets anyway. Also, Matthew 23:23 contains an indictment by Jesus directed toward religious hypocrites who zealously tithed but neglected mercy and justice - more important matters according to Jesus!

Another New Testament example involves the apostles Peter and John in Acts 3:1-11. A needy man on the street begged them for money. Remember how the apostles responded? Peter said, "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk" (Acts 3:6). It would have been charitable to give the man a loaf of bread or a few coins. But it was compassionate justice that provided what he really needed: good health!

You might be thinking: But I can't go around healing people like those apostles did. Perhaps not, but the point would be giving our time and energy to help get at the root cause. That man begging in Acts 3 needed more than coins and many people in our city have such severe issues that a few cents could never meet their needs. It is certainly compassionate to speak a kind word to the beggar, or give a turkey at Thanksgiving but it is even more compassionate - indeed just! - to work to help keep people from having to beg or go hungry in the first place. Dennis R. Edwards, Ph.D., Senior Pastor, Peace Fellowship, Washington, DC.