But what do we do when we're driving to Chapel Hill and have to stop at the intersection near New Hope Commons and our car rolls to a halt right beside a homeless man who's asking for help. It's a hot day. Everybody is sweating.

We all have the same choices. Maybe we choose to look the other way and pray for the light to change quickly. Or maybe, we decide to at least be friendly and roll down the window to say good morning. Or if we've really got a bug in our bonnet about people who beg for a living, we might suggest in a loud voice that this individual look for a job.

Some Christians, however, think the way we react in such situations is related to how seriously we take one of the central teachings of Jesus.

In an article in a recent Duke Chapel publication titled "Panhandling: A Christian Response," the Rev. Gaston Warner, director of university and community relations at the chapel, addressed common perceptions and fears surrounding those who beg for money and gave some practical suggestions about what to do when faced with someone begging.

1. "It is just a scam": These are certainly folks who have learned what techniques work best, but there is usually a genuine need lurking somewhere in the background. The Christian response is not lessened by the possibility that the people asking do not really need what they say they need. Jesus never said, "Guard thyself carefully, lest the poor con thee out of thy money."

2. "They will just use the money to buy alcohol or drugs": Addiction is often a reality for many of the chronically homeless. If money is given, some will likely go to feeding whatever addiction the person may have. The rest will go to buy necessities, but the problem with addiction is that the substance is often the necessity for that person.

3. "Panhandlers are dangerous": While mental illness often does accompany the chronically homeless, and one should always use caution, those begging on the side of the road are far more likely to be harmed by a malicious person passing by than they are to harm others. This population is almost always the victim of violence,not the perpetrator.

Warner suggests that money is not always the best response to panhandlers. A good solution might be to pack a grocery bag of items that are useful for homeless and hungry people. Here's his list:

* Dinty Moore/Hormel meals (good hot or cold and nutritious)

* Granola bars and prepackaged trail mix

* Vacuum-sealed bags of tuna

* Travel-sized toiletries, soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrush

* Plastic-wrapped napkins, forks, knives, salt and pepper

* Bottle of water or juice

* Toilet paper

* A bag of socks (occasionally). Ever wear a single pair for several days?

In the end, Warner says, the best way to engage hungry and homeless people is to get to know them. There are many local organizations working with them. Anyone who wants to get involved is invited to call Warner at 414-4167 or g.warner@duke.edu.