Biblical Perspectives on Homelessness

The Bible acknowledges the fact of homelessness and instructs us to help those who are poor and needy, including those in homeless situations. Jesus could identify with the homeless in his itinerant ministry. In Matthew 8.20, Jesus states that even animals have a place to call home, but he had nowhere to lay his head. He stayed in the homes of whoever would welcome him, and sometimes outside. He was born in a stable, and even spent his last night before his crucifixion outside in a garden. The Apostle Paul was also at times in a homeless situation, 1 Corinthians 4.11. God expects his people to help those who are homeless. The Lord directly addressed care for those in need. In Leviticus 25.35, God commands his people to help support those who have no home and cannot support themselves. The Lord rebuked those who kept the outward form of religion, yet did not care for the poor. The Book of Wisdom Proverbs lays down the principle of giving to the poor and attaches it to a blessing. Those who refuse to help the poor will find themselves on the losing end. In the New Testament, Jesus and his disciples regularly gave to the poor, and Jesus commands that we follow his example and also care for the poor. As James points out, talk is cheap. Our talk and our faith must be accompanied by action. The Bible does not shy away from the difficult and unpleasant reality that some people have experienced terrible setbacks and hardships in their lives, even to the point of becoming destitute. The Bible recognizes that poverty, social injustice and homelessness are real problems that constantly plague society. The Bible teaches that we are to be radically different from the world in how we view and treat our neighbor's. In fact, we should go out of our way to provide for the homeless and others in need, trusting God to reward us in his time.