Homelessness is a tragic reality that many people face. In the United States alone, over half a million people experience homelessness on any given night. For Christians seeking to understand how to respond, the Bible provides guidance and insight into God’s heart for the homeless.
Old Testament Teachings on Homelessness
In the Old Testament, God commanded His people to care for the poor and needy in their midst. Passages like Deuteronomy 15:7-8 instruct God’s people not to harden their hearts against those in need: “If there is among you a poor man of your brethren…you shall not harden your heart nor shut your hand from your poor brother, but you shall open your hand wide to him and willingly lend him sufficient for his need, whatever he needs.” Caring for the homeless reflected obedience to God.
God also condemned those who took advantage of the vulnerable. Ezekiel 16:49 explains that Sodom was destroyed in part because its people “did not strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” Neglecting and oppressing the homeless brought judgment.
The Old Testament law made provision for the homeless as well. Farmers were commanded not to reap to the corners of their fields so the homeless could glean and have food (Leviticus 19:9-10). Cities of refuge were designated to provide shelter for those with “nowhere to lay his head” (Deuteronomy 19:1-3). God’s heart for the homeless is evident throughout the Old Testament.
Jesus’ Ministry Displayed Care for the Homeless
In the Gospels, Jesus displayed deep compassion for the homeless and outcast. He healed the blind beggar Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52). He touched lepers who were ostracized from society (Luke 17:11-19). He associated with tax collectors who often lacked homes due to poverty (Matthew 9:9-13).
Most notably, Jesus declared that serving “the least of these”—the hungry, homeless, sick, and imprisoned—was equivalent to serving Christ Himself (Matthew 25:31-46). His ministry affirmed the dignity and value of those without shelter. He saw their need and was “moved with compassion” to meet both their physical and spiritual needs (Matthew 14:14).
New Testament Writers Instruct on Serving the Homeless
The New Testament epistles continue the emphasis on caring for the vulnerable. James 1:27 defines true religion as caring for widows and orphans. James 2 condemns favoritism towards the rich over the poor in the church. Believers are exhorted not to forget fellowship with those who seem invisible in society (Hebrews 13:1-3).
The early church put these teachings into practice through poor relief for widows (Acts 6:1-6) and collection of offerings for the poor (1 Corinthians 16:1-4; Romans 15:25-28). Caring for the homeless was fundamental to obeying Jesus’ command to love. Scripture does not support neglecting or harsh treatment of the homeless.
Reasons for Homelessness According to the Bible
The Bible identifies several potential causes of homelessness that may still ring true today:
- Poverty and lack of resources (Mark 12:41-44)
- Indebtedness (2 Kings 4:1-7)
- War and violence (2 Kings 25:1-12)
- Oppression and injustice in society (James 5:1-6)
- Disability and illness (John 9:1-3)
- Displacement through natural disaster (Genesis 7:21-23)
While situations may vary, the Bible consistently calls believers to respond with compassion, generosity, and efforts to address root injustices in society that may contribute to homelessness.
Principles for Helping the Homeless
Scripture not only addresses why homelessness happens but also provides principles for how believers can help in appropriate ways:
- Give generously and freely to help meet basic needs (Isaiah 58:7; 1 John 3:17-18)
- Seek justice and reform on a societal level (Proverbs 29:7; Isaiah 1:17)
- Show Christlike love that affirms dignity and value (Romans 12:20-21)
- Work to understand root causes and long-term solutions (Psalm 82:3-5)
- Involve homeless people in decision-making that affects them (Proverbs 31:8-9)
- Collaborate with churches and community groups (Galatians 6:9-10)
Efforts to help the homeless can be sustained through prayer, wise counsel, and dependence on God for resources and discernment (James 1:5). Scripture guides both individual acts of charity and collective efforts for social justice.
Cautions About How to Help the Homeless
Though assisting the homeless is commended in Scripture, believers must also exercise discernment. Biblical principles highlight some potential pitfalls to avoid:
- Avoid enabling harmful behaviors like addiction (Proverbs 23:20-21).
- Be wise stewards of limited resources (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
- Emphasize rehabilitation and development of self-sufficiency (Acts 20:35).
- Beware of those who take advantage of generosity (John 12:4-6).
- Avoid fostering dependency on temporary solutions (2 Thessalonians 3:8).
- Partner with experienced ministries capable of assessing true needs (Proverbs 15:22).
Wise judgment and common sense can direct efforts to truly help people get back on their feet.
Homelessness in the End Times
Tragically, Scripture indicates that homelessness and poverty will persist until Christ returns. Jesus said the poor would always be present in society (Matthew 26:11). James 2:5-6 promises the kingdom to the poor and needy who trust in Christ.
Yet this truth provides opportunity for the church to keep serving. Believers must continue to care for the homeless while looking forward to the day when God Himself will wipe away every tear and provide the ultimate refuge in His presence (Revelation 7:15-17). As we long for Christ’s return, we can still emulate His compassion each day.
Responding to Homelessness as the Church
Scripture makes care for the homeless a priority. How should churches respond? Ways a church can help the homeless locally include:
- Starting shelters and transitional housing.
- Providing meals and groceries.
- Giving away clothing and supplies.
- Supporting job training programs.
- Offering budgeting classes.
- Fighting unjust policies that criminalize homelessness.
- Providing counseling and spiritual support.
- Letting the homeless participate in programs and services.
- Being a liaison with government agencies.
Churches can make a difference through both meeting short-term needs and advocating long-term solutions. Scripture compels nothing less.
Key Bible Verses about Homelessness
Christians seeking God’s heart and wisdom can meditate on the following Bible passages about homelessness and poverty:
- “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” (Proverbs 19:17)
- “Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” (Proverbs 14:31)
- “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered.” (Proverbs 21:13)
- “If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you. Take no interest from him or profit, but fear your God, that your brother may live beside you.” (Leviticus 25:35-36)
- “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? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” (1 John 3:17-18)
Meditating on verses like these can grow compassion and direct efforts to help.
Examples of Jesus Caring for the Homeless and Needy
Jesus’ earthly ministry shows His compassion for people struggling with homelessness and need:
- Healing a paralyzed man: Though details of the man’s situation are unstated, Jesus heals and forgives him while he is lying on a stretcher, perhaps indicating displacement or poverty (Luke 5:17-25).
- Feeding the 5000: Moved with compassion when the crowds following Him grew hungry, Jesus multiplied five loaves and two fish to feed everyone present (Matthew 14:13-21). Many may have been poor or transient.
- Encounter with the Samaritan woman: Jesus crossed cultural barriers to speak with an outcast Samaritan woman lacking a husband and home (John 4:1-26).
- Raising of Lazarus: Jesus raises His friend Lazarus from the dead after visiting his sisters Mary and Martha in lowly Bethany (John 11:1-44).
- Zacchaeus the tax collector: Jesus stays in the home of Zacchaeus, despised by many as a corrupt tax collector (Luke 19:1-10).
Following Christ means emulating His care for people facing homelessness, poverty, and rejection by society.
Blessings for Those who Help the Homeless
God promises wonderful blessings to those who generously help the poor and needy:
- They will be blessed and loved by God (Deuteronomy 15:10).
- Their prayers will be heard and answered (Psalm 41:1-3).
- They will be protected in times of trouble (Psalm 41:1-2).
- They will be refreshed and satisfied (Isaiah 58:10-11).
- They will be called righteous (Ezekiel 18:7-9).
- They will receive wisdom and guidance (Proverbs 28:27).
- They will be rewarded generously by God (Proverbs 19:17).
- They will gain eternal life (Luke 12:33).
God honors those who show mercy to the poor and needy. Helping the homeless opens the door to God’s blessings.
How Individuals Can Make a Difference
Though homelessness is a societal problem, individuals can still have an impact. Practical ways to help the homeless include:
- Donating money to effective organizations serving the homeless.
- Preparing care packages of food, water, and other essentials.
- Volunteering at a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.
- Tutoring homeless children or teaching job skills.
- Beingfriend a homeless person to provide support.
- Hiring or renting an apartment to someone transitioning out of homelessness.
- Advocating for better policies on affordable housing and poverty.
- Educating others and raising awareness.
With creativity and compassion, we all can make the world a little better for those experiencing homelessness.
Warnings and Reminders
In seeking to help the homeless, important cautions include:
- Avoid enabling harmful addictions or co-dependency.
- Be wise in stewarding limited resources.
- Do not judge why someone is in their situation (John 9:2-3).
- Focus on rehabilitation and self-sufficiency.
- Partner with experienced ministries capable of assessing true needs.
- Do not become overwhelmed or listen to voices of apathy.
- Remember that change takes time and perseverance.
With wisdom and discernment, efforts to help can make a lasting difference.
Hope and Calling for the Church
Though homelessness and poverty will continue until Christ returns, the church still has hope and calling:
- God’s kingdom promises justice, provision, and refuge for the needy who trust in Him (Luke 6:20).
- The Holy Spirit empowers efforts for change that the world deems impossible (Zechariah 4:6).
- Scripture urges perseverance in doing good works (Galatians 6:9; Hebrews 6:10).
- The church is called to be light in the darkness by caring for society’s vulnerable (Matthew 5:14-16).
- Heaven promises eternal relief from all pain, hunger, and want (Revelation 7:16-17).
God is at work through His people to provide foretastes of the eternal hope that is to come. Efforts to help the homeless have never been in vain.
