Starets Ambrose had this to say on acts of charity: "St.Dimitri of Rostov wrote: if a person rides up to you on a horse and begs you, give it to him. You will not be responsible as to how he applies your alms."
And more: "St. John the Golden Tongue says: begin by giving the needy that what you don’t need, that is just lying around, then you will be in a situation to give more even at your own expense, and finally you will be ready to give away all that you have."
Elder Ambrose of Optina
