The Bible and Homelessness
Paper Masters can custom write research papers on how the Bible views homelessness. We will discuss what the Old Testament and the New Testament say regarding how Christians should treat homelessness.
The Bible states clearly that those who are less fortunate of worldly goods are the responsibility of all mankind. Looking at the example of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-37, each man can see how God has directed him or her to take care of those less fortunate. By generously using his time, energy, and monetary resources, the Good Samaritan fulfilled God's wish to assist the man he found by the side of the road. Jesus instructs Christians today to do the same.
The Old Testament spoke directly of helping the poor and needy: "I command you to be openhanded toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land" (Deut. 15:10, 11). Gleaning is espoused in the Old Testament to encourage the homeless to seek out their own means to nourish themselves. Gleaning is the act of leaving a portion of one's crops uncultivated or harvested for the poor to take what they need.
The New Testament implores Christians to treat those that are homeless the same way a Christian would treat Christ.
- "For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat... In that you did it for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did it to me" (Matt. 25:34-35).
- Romans 12:13 speaks of opening up our homes for the poor, not merely giving money.
In society today, working within the constraints of law and practicality, the need for government and Christians to work together is paramount. Both groups are awakening to the mutual benefits that they can provide by working on social problems like homelessness cohesively. Vice President Al Gore, in his bid for the Presidential nomination, has laid the platform for a "new partnership" between church and state. England is an example of a country that is experiencing success in merging church and state.
Successful programs for assisting the homeless people vary across the nation depending upon resources and the type of organizations that our structured.