The Biblical Foundation: Why Christians Should Care About Homelessness
The Bible has more to say about caring for the poor than almost any other topic. From the Law of Moses to the teachings of Jesus to the practices of the early church, Scripture consistently calls God's people to care for those who have fallen on hard times. This is not optional social programming. It is central to what it means to follow Christ.
The Old Testament Foundation
God's concern for the poor is woven throughout the Hebrew Scriptures. The Law of Moses required farmers to leave the edges of their fields unharvested so the poor could glean (Leviticus 19:9-10). The Year of Jubilee required debts to be forgiven and property returned (Leviticus 25).
The prophets thundered against those who neglected the poor while practicing empty religion. Isaiah declared that true fasting means "to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter" (Isaiah 58:7).
Jesus and the Marginalized
Jesus spent his ministry among the outcasts: tax collectors, prostitutes, lepers, and the poor. He declared that whatever we do for "the least of these" we do for him (Matthew 25:40). He told the rich young ruler to sell everything and give to the poor (Mark 10:21). He blessed the poor and warned the rich (Luke 6:20-24).
The early church took this seriously, sharing possessions so that "there were no needy persons among them" (Acts 4:34).
"For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me."
Matthew 25:35-36
"Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, 'Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead."
James 2:15-17
"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done."
Proverbs 19:17
"If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?"
1 John 3:17
Beyond Charity: Restoration
The biblical vision goes beyond giving handouts. It is about restoration: restoring people to right relationship with God, with community, and with their own purpose.
The Gospel is fundamentally about restoration. God restores broken sinners to relationship with himself through Christ. The church is called to participate in this restoration by caring for the whole person: body, mind, and spirit.
Dignity and Image of God
Every homeless person is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This means they have inherent dignity and worth that cannot be lost, no matter how far they have fallen.
Treating homeless individuals with dignity is not just good practice; it is a recognition of their fundamental identity as image bearers. At The Steady Ground, we do not just serve "the homeless." We serve men created by God with purpose and potential.
The Role of the Church
For most of Christian history, the church was the primary provider of care for the poor and homeless. Monasteries fed travelers. Churches established hospitals, orphanages, and shelters. This work was not peripheral to the mission of the church; it was central to it.
While government programs have expanded in the modern era, the church still has a unique role to play. Faith communities can provide the spiritual care and long-term relationships that government programs cannot. Churches can mobilize volunteers, provide accountability, and offer the hope of transformation rooted in the Gospel.
The Steady Ground is built on the rock of Christ because we believe lasting transformation requires spiritual renewal alongside practical support. We do not impose faith on anyone, but we offer it freely as the foundation for a new life.