Many of us look at the homeless in disgust, knowing that if they would just shake their addiction and apply themselves they could get a job and get back on their feet. Others of us look at the homeless and feel sorrow and sympathy wanting to help, but only able to throw a dollar their way.
But as believers in Jesus Christ, how are we supposed to react? Many believers think that if the homeless would just commit themselves to Jesus, then their lives would get straightened out and they could be normal participants in society. What many Christians don’t know is that at least a third of those who live on the street already have committed themselves to Jesus and are doing their best to live a Christian life. Yes, some are addicts, but not all. Many are mentally ill, but we cannot blame homelessness exclusively on mental illness, either.
How does Scripture tell us to react to these poor and outcast of society?
We are to show respect to the poor. James 2
We are to respond in love and compassion to everyone in need. Luke 10
We are to offer help, especially to believers. Galatians 6:10
We are to offer hospitality, clothing, shelter and food. Matthew 25:31-46
We are to offer fellowship and peace. Romans 12
Most of all, according to Scripture, we are to love. This doesn’t always mean giving money or food, although we shouldn’t be closed to that. But it does always mean being patient, being kind, not putting ourselves over the other person, but bearing other’s burdens and enduring with them. I Corinthians 13
Conyers Hope 