Photo by Matt Collamer
If you are ever in doubt that Jesus cares for the homeless, you only need to look at the Bible because it has evidence that showcases Christ’s love for everyone—especially for the homeless.
Richard Berry, author of the book series Shelters by Jesus (including Shelters by Jesus, The Story Continues), is a pastor, and he’s all about sharing how much love and compassion Christ has for the homeless. People often think that it’s bad to provide help for the homeless because it’ll make them dependent. However, there’s much more nuance to aiding those in need than simplifying issues like homelessness.
With that in mind, let’s go ahead and examine what the Bible says about our homeless brothers and sisters.
1. God Cares for Every Person Suffering From Destitution
God, first of all, is a loving God. He shows them His particular concern, compassion, and protection. If you need further reference, you can look up Psalm 140:12, Psalm 94:5-6, Psalm 109:16, Psalm 103:6, Psalm 147:6, Psalm 146:7-9, Psalm 68:5-10, Proverbs 14:31, Proverbs 10:3, and Deuteronomy 15:11.
God’s love is always available for those in need. He recognizes that destitute individuals deserve His love equally, if not more.
2. God Makes Sure to Bless the Righteous People Who Aid the Destitute
Such an individual is kind and lends money freely without considering usury, like the one mentioned in Psalm 112:4-5 and Psalm 15:5. His generosity is astounding as he distributes his presents to the underprivileged, like in Psalm 112:9.
High authority figures have a specific duty to stand up for the oppressed. They can protect the kids of the poor, show compassion for the helpless, keep them from dying, and bring an end to their oppressors, like the ones in Psalm 72:12-14 and Psalm 72:4.
3. Jesus Christ Knew What Being Homeless Was Like
Jesus relied on the kindness of people for a greater part of three years, as recorded in Luke 9:58, Matthew 8:20, and Luke 8:1-2. He then proclaimed the gospel to the impoverished alongside His disciples, as people can read in Luke 7:22, Luke 4:18, Luke 6:20, John 12:5, Matthew 11:5, and Matthew 5:3. They donated liberally to the impoverished and in need, as written in John 13:29, Matthew 26:9, and Mark 14:5.
As someone who experienced homelessness, Jesus cares for the homeless in a big way. This makes Richard Berry’s book, Shelters by Jesus, The Story Continues, make more sense. What the Bible says about the homeless is pretty clear when it comes to Jesus Christ helping them, and providing aid for them is a good thing.
In fact, it’s so important and good that Jesus promised people who help the homeless and impoverished eternal benefits, which was written in Luke 11:41, Luke 12:33, Luke 14:13, Luke 18:22, Luke 19:8, Matthew 19:21, Matthew 25:31, and Mark 10:21.
Jesus also forewarned of the eternal consequences for those who disregard the impoverished, and you can check Proverbs 19:17, Proverbs 28:27, and Matthew 25:41-46. James, Jesus’ half-brother, subsequently reiterated a similar dire warning, which folks can read in James 2:1-9.
4. God Judges Those Who Oppress the Destitute and Poor
These oppressors’ arms will be broken by God, and He will hold them accountable, as written in Psalm 10:14-15. He will destroy them with their own weapons, as mentioned in Psal 37:14-15. He will confront them and chastise them for their wicked actions, like in Psalm 50:21.
He’ll bring them to destruction for all eternity, as written in Psalm 25:5. God will also remove them from the record of life, which is recorded in Psalm 69:22-28. Unjust judges are certain to fall, as the Bible says in Psalm 82:7, and those who proudly oppress others will be vanquished, as written in Psalm 94:23.
David had a lot of adversaries in his days of poverty. David, however, refrained from hurting King Saul even after God gave him over to him, telling himself that the Lord alone is entitled to retribution.
Jesus Cares for the Homeless, and There’s No Doubt About That
Caring for the homeless is certainly what God and Jesus Christ want us to do. By helping others, we glorify them, and we make the homeless’ lives better. Donating and aiding the homeless is certainly worth our time, so we should do it whenever we can.
Grab a copy of Richard Berry’s book, Shelters by Jesus, The Story Continues, today by visiting https://sheltersbyjesus.com/. Don’t forget to check out some of our other blogs and learn how stories encourage people to turn their lives around for the better!
Oliver’s Twist 