Can you comment on the homeless?
Introduction. Our hearts go out to people truly in need. The scriptures teach, "The righteous considereth the cause of the poor but the wicked regardeth not to know it" (Prov. 29: 7). The "Good Samaritan" had compassion on one in need (Luke 10: 34). "Whoso stopped his ears at the cry of the poor," wrote the wise man, "he also shall cry himself, but shall not be heard" (Prov. 21: 13). Moreover, the scriptures plainly teach giving to those in need as means and opportunity are present (Eph. 4: 28; 1 John 3: 17-18).
The scriptures give qualifications for helping others. God has assigned man the responsibility of working and providing for himself and those in his care (Gen. 3: 19; 1 Tim. 5: 8). Paul wrote, "... if any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thess. 3: 10). Children and grandchildren are to take care of their needy parents and grandparents (1 Tim. 5: 4-8, 16). The scriptures teach, "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand..." (Prov. 10: 4).
The case of the homeless. The plain truth is that most of the homeless in America today do not meet Biblical requirements for financial assistance. The vast majority are alcoholics and drug addicts. As an article in the Denver Post observed relative to most of the homeless, "Those folks do not want to be sober, get jobs or apartments, get well, or take showers. Actually, they have jobs - panhandling for booze" (Sunday, January 1, 1995, Jann Scott).
Conclusion. In answer to our question, I am reminded of a sign I recently observed. A "homeless" person was soliciting or panhandling using a sign which read: "I ain't lying, I just want a beer." Regardless of the abuse, we must be cautious that we do not neglect one really in need. The Christian is to "visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction..." (Jas. 1: 27).
The scriptures give qualifications for helping others. God has assigned man the responsibility of working and providing for himself and those in his care (Gen. 3: 19; 1 Tim. 5: 8). Paul wrote, "... if any would not work, neither should he eat" (2 Thess. 3: 10). Children and grandchildren are to take care of their needy parents and grandparents (1 Tim. 5: 4-8, 16). The scriptures teach, "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand..." (Prov. 10: 4).
The case of the homeless. The plain truth is that most of the homeless in America today do not meet Biblical requirements for financial assistance. The vast majority are alcoholics and drug addicts. As an article in the Denver Post observed relative to most of the homeless, "Those folks do not want to be sober, get jobs or apartments, get well, or take showers. Actually, they have jobs - panhandling for booze" (Sunday, January 1, 1995, Jann Scott).
Conclusion. In answer to our question, I am reminded of a sign I recently observed. A "homeless" person was soliciting or panhandling using a sign which read: "I ain't lying, I just want a beer." Regardless of the abuse, we must be cautious that we do not neglect one really in need. The Christian is to "visit the fatherless and the widows in their affliction..." (Jas. 1: 27).