There are three main categories: local and global church needs, non-Christian needs, and non-human needs to which I can distribute money. Keller argues that the church should not only provide for those within the church, but also those outside of it, paralleling the provisions commanded for foreigners and foreigners in the Old Testament (Keller, 13-14) . He also suggested not to give to others with the condition that they are Christians or will become Christians after the help. When Jesus healed the blind man, “there was no indication that Jesus had given help under certain conditions. He did not force him to believe as he healed him…” (Keller, 18). Additionally, non-Christian organizations can provide aid to Christians. Paul encourages believers to “…do good to all, and especially to those who belong to the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). Therefore, although the church should definitely help the homeless shelter, orphanage, and child sponsorship program, regardless of whether the beneficiaries or the company running the programs are Christian or not, the church should provide the needs of our Christian brothers. Benevolence I have allocated more money to the benevolence category than any other category. This is consistent with the numerous verses in the Bible that command Christians to support their brothers and sisters in Christ. It is also consistent with the pattern followed by the early church in the use of its finances until the influence of Constantine (which, according to our class lesson, led to a greater percentage of resources going to construction expenses). As in the examples given above, Jesus and the apostles continually taught others to minister to the needs of the poor in the New Testament. In the Old… middle of the paper… citizens must be good stewards of their money, especially in repaying loans. Romans 13:8 states, “You owe nothing to anyone except to love one another, for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.” It also shows a good testimony when Christians are reliable and timely in their financial commitments. “But if the basis of our involvement with the poor is 'gospel rules,' that is, substitutionary sacrifice, then we must help the poor even when we think we 'can't afford it'” (Keller, 6). While we should be sacrificial, it would not only be irresponsible stewardship, but also a shame to not pay off loans or bills in a timely manner. This would not show a Christ-like testimony, would not be submission to our government, would not constitute appropriate treatment for the creditor, or would not be in accordance with passages of Scripture that discuss the importance of repaying loans.