Philippians 2:3 came to mind while reading about the woman’s perceived needs and the necessity of a wise response – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves”. May that, coupled with love, be our guide as we navigate the world full of wolves!

You’re right: we must beware lest tradition with its adages trump Scripture or so interlard our understanding of Scripture that we can so longer tell the difference. Therefore wisdom must be involved at all times when we deal with people, especially those to whom we are desirous to demonstrate Christ’s love and ultimately see won over to his kingdom. Jesus words in Matthew 10:16 speak to this: “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” Is it accurate to call her a “wolf” though she is apparently mentally unstable and quite needy? In some sense, yes, because like a wolf, people will resort to being remarkably cunning to get what they need. They (may) think: If a Christian can be taken advantage of, then so be it. Her perceived needs are her highest priorities (e.g., getting to the grocery store).

In other words, we must be wise. A cultural adage such as always teaching a man to fish will not always be applicable or seem appropriate, therefore it is best to be wise. Surely a man needs fish (i.e., to eat) while he is still learning to fish. Wisdom may lead to giving fish or teaching to fish or both.

I’m not so much concerned about being taken advantage of (e.g., giving someone a ride) if I may in that moment also be fairly allowed the opportunity to share my motivation and great Savior. Indeed sharing the gospel is in a way being taken advantage of: I know the Savior, I share with someone for the joy of introducing a sinner to the Sinner’s Friend. Take advantage of me in this regard always! For I gladly give. However, to refuse to be taught or refuse to listen or help oneself is not encouraging.

I hope she has taken advantage of the bus service provided free of charge. I would hope she has caught on. Many things may be preventing her though.

Also, simply acknowledging the poor as you say is tremendous (thanks for this thought as well). I oftentimes see her lurking in the parking lot and feel like I want to be invisible. But this is contrary to letting my light shine and the feeling must be fought for love and Christ’s sake. Perhaps greeting her, interacting, and treating her like a person is more valuable than giving her a ride and disregarding her person all along the way. In this instance it is unfortunate that she is apparently mentally handicapped and not very personable, but everyone responds to kindness and love, yeh? All the more cause to love her.

We cannot do everything for everybody at all times, but we can acknowledge the existence of the poor, learn their names, pray for them, and anything else that God tells us to do. What you do for the least of these is what you do for Christ. Keep up the good work!