What motivates people to give to the poor?

What motivates you to feed a stray Cat or dog so why not help an indigent Man or Woman???

Or are you just one of thoes people who wouldn't give a dying person a drink of water.

I have been there before, needing help from someone else. I know from having been there, most of them are working on making a better life, and trying to get away from needing the help. So, to repay the kindness when I was in that spot, I give to others who are there now. It is not a matter of religion for me, but more being thankful for what the help I received.

2 Corinthians 9:8 says, And God will generously provide all you need, then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. For me the others does include the poor alike. God doesn't want us to give what we do not have, it is not important how much you give, but let it be a willing gift.

Some people have a desire to give to the poor because they were once poor themselves. They know what it's like to have nothing so the little extra they get they want to give to the poor so they have something too.

The idea of giving people what they need, it is both the spirit of the human and money. For me I know people have a God shape hole and if someone doesn't have money, you help them to support themselves.

Matthew 5:2-4

2 and he began to teach them, saying:

3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit,

for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

4 Blessed are those who mourn,

for they will be comforted.

Acts 20:35...‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”

John 3:17 But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him?

The fact that poverty is a unfortunate by-product of the class system we live within and that the unfortunate victims need and deserve help from those who have more simply because of where or the family in which they were born.

*atheist

I think it's empathy. I like helping people and knowing that I've made some positive impact on the world is reward enough for me :)

I am atheist, and I am motivated by compassion and empathy. I don't need some stupid book to tell me what is moral.

To care about others and there needs.(Not motivated by "me" and what benefits "me" and who cares if others don't "make it" like "me".)Christians through compassion by the Holy Spirit and the bible will desire to help and do for others.