I too have learned the hard way after being bunrt too many times. I now just give out of my abundance (after our familys' needs are met.) I no longer sacrifice the things that my family needs in order to bless someone else first. I used to do that and then my family would end up having hard times. I will give (offerings) as I am prompted to; and usually it is not money that I give to others, although there have been times that I have, but, I buy them a meal, loan them something, give them of my time, give them rides, buy them gas, buy them groceries, I have even given out over the counter meds if they can't afford to get some themselves, give them a place to stay for awhile instead of giving them hotel money, and if I cnanot help, I lead them to someone who can help them, I help out where and when I am needed etc... Too often I find that if you do give cash money, they will use it on something other than what they requested the money for (like drugs, alcohol, cigs. etc..) There have been times when sonmeone would come and ask me for a few dollars to buy a meal and I would tell them that I didn't have the cash, but let me buy one on my debit card and they would refuse it, unfortunately, you have to be aware of the schemes that they will employ on you! On the otherhand, I have been called all kinds of names by people/especially family members for not codepending them by loaning them money to buy booze, cigs, lottery tickets, bingo, etc...