Homeless people

[Clio]

Paul also left these instructions:

For even when we were with you, we used to give you this order: if anyone will not work, neither let him eat.

2 Thess 3:10 NASB

We are also commanded to be good stewards of that which God has entrusted to us. Part of being a good steward is not to throw good money after bad.

The actual situation is recorded in 2 Thess 3:6-12. Paul was hearing of believers of the church in Thessalonica who were disorderly, coming to communal meals and expecting to be fed without contributing either in food or money. He was NOT speaking of the lost or the poor or the homeless.

Here is the entire context with bolding my emphasis, taken from the NKJV.

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

Any who are homeless by choice do not fit into that category of brethren. It is not possible to know True Jesus and continue to be homeless by choice. It makes it impossible to be all the potential He wants to grow you into, to continue to be homeless. Besides, the healing in emotions, physical, mental, and spirit, brings to them a sense of self-esteem that prevents anyone from being homeless by choice. That self-esteem comes from knowing who they truly are in the Family of Abba Father.

To continue to live homeless by choice would cast dispersion and dishonor on the King of Heaven and the Most High. After all, they were worthy of the death of the King of Kings and Commander of the Heavenly Host. To hold themselves less worthy and to live in such a way, it becomes anathema to them.

Clio

[Catsmeow]

Now and then when I'm driveing by I see homeless people huddled in doorways, and I think "It's my duty as a Christian to reach out and help them." but then the old teaching from my parents come up "don't talk to strangers" and I wonder if it is safe. I want to help them, maybe get them some food or show them to a shelter, but what if the one I help is dangerous? Being a rather slim 20 year old woman makes it hard for me to defend myself...so often for fear of my safety I just drive on, but feel that I haven't done what is right.

Should I stop and help them when I see them on the streets? If so, how, keeping in the limits of safety?

Flame: I first want to say I haven't read other's responses on this topic, so I appologize if I'm being redundant. I did a homeless ministry privately some years ago.

A girlfriend and I went out into the inner city streets in the heart of the most dangerous section of town AT NIGHT. We brought blankets, mittens/gloves, socks and coats (all donated), and made up about 100 sack lunches with cookies, fruit and sandwiches. We brought a huge vat of HOT coffee.

We met drug dealers and armed thugs who just loved us. They didn't EVEN threaten us or make any wrong moves. We were surrounded by angels and the Holy Spirit was absolutely flowing all over us. You could feel it. I felt so safe and protected, under bridges and in drug houses around the most dangerous people you'll ever find...

And all these guys could say was, "Are you all angels or vice squad?" LOL! We hugged them. We wrapped them in warm blankets...we fed them.

They were, (the vast majority) very, very grateful and sweet...depsite their fierce countenance. You see, the Holy Spirit can tame the meanest spirit when it's quenched by sincere love.

No curse can light upon you, when you're walking in love...

Bless you. Cats

[Clio]

I agree and disagree with Leo on this one. I agree with his assumption of the majority of homeless people. I disagree with his conclusion. Such as, we either seek to try to change their paradigm of "decieving" (of course, if they refuse to change, there isn't much we can do) or we help them on a minimal basis. Everyone will take advantage of us as one point or the other...shall we forgo loving them as well?

A.K. I think we're saying the same thing. My conclusion was 'help them on a minimal basis' too. But the Word of God still stands that 'if a man will not work, neither should he eat....' By the way, I was NOT making any 'assumption' but speaking from several years' experience and the investment of 10's of thousands of dollars! DON'T THROW YOUR MONEY THAT DIRECTION!

Paul says the Church's charity ought to be to take care of widows and orphans, and he even HEAVILY QUALIFIES THAT GIVING!!!!

Too many Christians are out there trying to be 'nicer than Jesus!'

Since none of what I give is mine, but belongs to Abba, including money, who am I to say "No" if the Spirit says give? I have walked out the Spirit's instructions long enough to recognize His guidance when I get it.

I do not give indiscriminately or with poor stewardship, but only at His direction and according to how He directs. It is different every single time. Sometimes I am taken advantage of, but that's ok.

It's not mine anyway. I don't have enough to share with anyone. My husband has been an invalid for more than two years, my paycheck doesn't cover the basics, and yet Abba blesses us and we always have whatever is needed and more to give as He directs.

I also have given tens of thousands of dollars worth of aid. I do not count the cost, for in giving to least of these I have given to Jesus. And it was all His to begin with.

And... "nicer than Jesus" It's not possible! Jesus yielded His all. Voluntarily.

[Catsmeow]

I went back to read some of the responses prior to mine and admit, I'm a bit shocked at answers.

Jesus made it CLEAR: When I was hungry, you fed me; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink; when I was naked (cold), you clothed me....

The ones He casts aside are those who failed in this area.

How do YOU know if you aren't entertaining angels in disquise?

Look, I know this from experience: God has financially blessed me abundantly. To whom much is given, much is expected. God has given me much and then more...and I continue to give back freely and joyfully.

Giving isn't a burden. You don't know who's who....who's in greatest need and who isn't. Imagine it's YOUR son or daughter, a youngster who ran away or a dear relative you love and care about...and they're down on their luck.

Imagine YOU lost your job. Imagine you were needy, and nobody cared.

I'm NOT suggesting you give money to these people who pop in here on the internet and give a sob story and ask for money. I never gave MONEY.

I did give food, clothing and warmth to hungry and weary strangers. That's what Jesus commands us to do...and you cannot go wrong helping those in need.

[EricH]

[

The actual situation is recorded in 2 Thess 3:6-12. Paul was hearing of believers of the church in Thessalonica who were disorderly, coming to communal meals and expecting to be fed without contributing either in food or money. He was NOT speaking of the lost or the poor or the homeless.

Here is the entire context with bolding my emphasis, taken from the NKJV.

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

Any who are homeless by choice do not fit into that category of brethren. It is not possible to know True Jesus and continue to be homeless by choice. It makes it impossible to be all the potential He wants to grow you into, to continue to be homeless. Besides, the healing in emotions, physical, mental, and spirit, brings to them a sense of self-esteem that prevents anyone from being homeless by choice. That self-esteem comes from knowing who they truly are in the Family of Abba Father.

To continue to live homeless by choice would cast dispersion and dishonor on the King of Heaven and the Most High. After all, they were worthy of the death of the King of Kings and Commander of the Heavenly Host. To hold themselves less worthy and to live in such a way, it becomes anathema to them.

Clio

Actually the context you mention (communal meals) is not mentioned in the context of this passage. The context is a brother who leads an unruly life. Namely they refuse to work. As such, they are not to be given food, but are to be left to their own devices and not eat.

Your conclusions about a real brother not being homeless, are really a reading into the text on your part. Could you provide textual support regarding your idea that real believers will never be homeless by choice

[Clio]

[

The actual situation is recorded in 2 Thess 3:6-12. Paul was hearing of believers of the church in Thessalonica who were disorderly, coming to communal meals and expecting to be fed without contributing either in food or money. He was NOT speaking of the lost or the poor or the homeless.

Here is the entire context with bolding my emphasis, taken from the NKJV.

6 But we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw from every brother who walks disorderly and not according to the tradition which he received from us. 7 For you yourselves know how you ought to follow us, for we were not disorderly among you; 8 nor did we eat anyone's bread free of charge, but worked with labor and toil night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, 9 not because we do not have authority, but to make ourselves an example of how you should follow us.

10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: If anyone will not work, neither shall he eat. 11 For we hear that there are some who walk among you in a disorderly manner, not working at all, but are busybodies. 12 Now those who are such we command and exhort through our Lord Jesus Christ that they work in quietness and eat their own bread.

Any who are homeless by choice do not fit into that category of brethren. It is not possible to know True Jesus and continue to be homeless by choice. It makes it impossible to be all the potential He wants to grow you into, to continue to be homeless. Besides, the healing in emotions, physical, mental, and spirit, brings to them a sense of self-esteem that prevents anyone from being homeless by choice. That self-esteem comes from knowing who they truly are in the Family of Abba Father.

To continue to live homeless by choice would cast dispersion and dishonor on the King of Heaven and the Most High. After all, they were worthy of the death of the King of Kings and Commander of the Heavenly Host. To hold themselves less worthy and to live in such a way, it becomes anathema to them.

Clio

Actually the context you mention (communal meals) is not mentioned in the context of this passage. The context is a brother who leads an unruly life. Namely they refuse to work. As such, they are not to be given food, but are to be left to their own devices and not eat.

Your conclusions about a real brother not being homeless, are really a reading into the text on your part. Could you provide textual support regarding your idea that real believers will never be homeless by choice

Sure. It's simple, and just from my explanation, you'll probably be able to figure out the texts.

We are strangers to God before we become born again. We are strangers to each other until we become born again. Paul would not have called ANYONE brother except someone he deemed to be in the Family of Abba through belief on Jesus Christ.

If you have a true relationship with Jesus, healing comes into all areas of your life. Anyone living in the homeless condition by choice has never truly in every fiber of their being met Jesus.

NO ONE is a brother unless born again into the Kingdom Family through grace and faith in True Jesus. They are the lost, and as such, no instructions to the "brethren" apply.

[Leonard]

I went back to read some of the responses prior to mine and admit, I'm a bit shocked at answers.

Jesus made it CLEAR: When I was hungry, you fed me; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink; when I was naked (cold), you clothed me....

The ones He casts aside are those who failed in this area.

How do YOU know if you aren't entertaining angels in disquise?

Look, I know this from experience: God has financially blessed me abundantly. To whom much is given, much is expected. God has given me much and then more...and I continue to give back freely and joyfully.

Giving isn't a burden. You don't know who's who....who's in greatest need and who isn't. Imagine it's YOUR son or daughter, a youngster who ran away or a dear relative you love and care about...and they're down on their luck.

Imagine YOU lost your job. Imagine you were needy, and nobody cared.

I'm NOT suggesting you give money to these people who pop in here on the internet and give a sob story and ask for money. I never gave MONEY.

I did give food, clothing and warmth to hungry and weary strangers. That's what Jesus commands us to do...and you cannot go wrong helping those in need.

I don't think anybody is saying "Don't help," Cats! But look FIRST for 'true widows' as Paul calls them, in the Church. I still give meals to the homeless, but I learned a harsh, harsh lesson about pouring money into that homeless black-hole. My wife and daughter suffered privation, we lost our house and our car by trying to help these people, far far more than we ought to have. God DID NOT 'come to the rescue!' Our lives were devastated for years. The harsh reality is that we sinned against God's order first in giving more than we ought to have, second by ignoring God's Law that 'if a man will not work, neither should he eat.'

Nearly making my own family homeless while be being taken for thousands of dollars by these ungrateful people the Bible calls 'horseleaches,' WAS MY FAULT! You don't want to make your own family go through that.

I would urge anybody NOT to give cash to the homeless unless the Lord really, really impresses it on your heart.

Everybody make no mistake: In the eyes of God YOUR FIRST DUTY is to your family. Until they have security....and that means 6 months pay sitting in a bank account.....don't go getting careless with so-called 'charity.' Until your own family is secure THEY ARE YOUR 'CHARITY CASE!' And God will bless you for taking care of them.

[Guest yod]

I have been taking homeless people into my home for meals, to sleep, to stay and get on their feet, to clothe them, to allow them a bath, whatever for 20 years.

My husband tells people who look at us kinda strange that "my wife collects strays.... and helps them"... but that was before he became a Christian.

Now he tells people, it's a "Jesus thing."

It's not my job to judge whether or not they are deserving.

Clio

I've done that kind of thing all of my life...but don't think anyone is advocating a heartless approach to the homeless so please don't go to the "judmental" arguement just yet.

Buying a drink for a drunk is not necessarily helping them. (not saying that you are doing that, ok?)

Giving the Lord's attention to the homeless person is not necessarily a financial investment as much as a personal time investment. It's a lot of work and you will see things that only God can change. You're really only buying them time to be delivered. Mental problems are the biggest source of homelessness, imo, but they aren't as politically expedient to talk about as the homeless.

In some cases you are helping the people who could be most capable if they choose to... but probably never will. Just like every other situation of life, eh?

But what about the (seemingly) obvious wicked?

How much are we to help them?

It would require more discernment

I was convicted deeply once while reading the good Samaritan's story. That guy didn't just chunk a quarter at the broken man. He stopped his life, brought him to a hotel and paid for a few nights and promised to check up on him when he came back...and pay the whole bill!

Giving money to someone on the side of the road who carries a sign might not be the same thing....yet we should still give as we feel led to, right?

It doesn't seem like enough

After praying hard about this story...asking the Lord to help me find ways to "save" the world (all by myself!?!) He reminded me that the Samaritan didn't have to go out of his way. There were people crossing my path every day who needed this kind of help

We don't have to go looking for this my friends. All people are the responsibility of all believers. If we would just take care of the ones who come into in our lives daily it would be enough.

Some people are brave enough to be called to homeless ministry specifically. For another it might be the prisoners, and another might be caring for someone's last days, and another might be caring for a child's early days. Again...all people are the responsibility of all believers at the most basic level of love.

I still think that Catsmeow is either the bravest or the craziest saint I've ever heard of though...

Edited January 24, 2006 by yod

[nebula]

When I was in college, I was part of a ministry that did street ministry every Friday night in Harrisburg, PA.

We ended up conversing with more homeless people than anyone else - that's Harrisburg!

The real homeless (non-panhandlers) aren't interested in our "charity". Despite their situation, they still have their pride. They are more interested in relationships. Our money meant nothing to them, and sometimes we even had difficulty buying them even a cup of coffee. But they'd talk with us for as long as we had time.

That's what makes the homeless issue hard for me to settle in my heart. Sure, when I see a person who is homeless, my instinct is to give them a hand-out and think I've ministered to the person. But that isn't the kind of ministry that brings them to Jesus. It takes investment in their lives, not an investment of funds.

[Marnie]

I will most likely get shot down for this but I"m going to say it anyway. I feel this government spends far to much money over seas and not enough here helping our people. I see kids down in the southern states living in third world conditions, no food, no heating, or fresh water. They have nothing, and I mean nothing and here we are spending billions in Africa on aids. I'm sorry but your right we are the richest country in the world and it is inexcusably for people to be homeless and go hungry in the United States of America. Did you know that 7 out of 10 homeless in Washington DC are veterans? No we need to do something for us and let the other countries take care of them selves. Help them yes but not at the expense of our people.

I agree with you about the money we pour into foreign countries. Of course, much of that goes towards purchasing political capital overseas. I do not question your stats about the homeless in DC. I grew up there, and (don't hate me, please) but I knew of many "vets" who were so hooked on booze and pills that they were, indeed on the streets--but it was choice. Just being a vet does not make one virtuous. In this country, if you want help, you will find it; there is NO excuse to be homeless in most any American city. There are shelters all over the place.