Reflecting on Recent News and the Bible’s Call to Action
Every so often, the news offers stories that hit harder than others—stories that don’t just demand our attention, but beg us to stop and ask, “What does this say about us?” Lately, the topic of homelessness has been front and center, not just as an abstract issue, but as a real human struggle that challenges our values and beliefs. When the headlines are harsh, and public figures voice disturbing opinions, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed or even numb. But for those who care about what’s right—for people guided by faith—the question isn’t just, “What’s happening?” but “What should we do?”
What the News Is Saying About Homelessness
If you’ve been following the news in recent months, you’ll know that stories about homelessness are rarely simple. Some headlines focus on mental health and addiction. Others highlight the lack of affordable housing, job loss, or families forced to live in their cars. City after city debates public camping bans, shelter shortages, and how to keep streets “clean.” Sometimes, stories focus on communities rallying to help; other times, they spotlight frustration, fear, and division.
But then, there are stories that go beyond frustration—they shock the conscience. One recent story described a television host suggesting that if people experiencing homelessness, especially those with mental health issues, refuse help, it might be better if they were simply “killed.” It’s hard to imagine a more heartless statement making it onto national television, but it happened. For many, it was a wake-up call—a sign that compassion is not the default, and that dehumanization can happen in plain sight.
At the same time, the nation’s highest court made a decision with massive consequences: allowing cities to punish people for sleeping in public, even when there’s nowhere else for them to go. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor called this “unconscionable.” In plain English, the ruling means that a person without a home can be fined, arrested, or otherwise punished just for trying to survive—something that, for most people, is not a choice, but a last resort.
So, what do these headlines tell us? That the conversation about homelessness isn’t just about policies or programs. It’s about people—how we see them, what we’re willing to tolerate, and whether we believe every life has value.
Where Does Faith Come In?
For those who look to the Bible for guidance, the answers are surprisingly clear and direct. You don’t need a seminary degree or a preacher’s license to see what Scripture says. Just about every book of the Bible—from the laws of Moses to the teachings of Jesus—includes instructions about how to treat people who are poor, marginalized, or left out.
Let’s break it down in everyday language:
· Open Your Hand and Heart: In the Old Testament, God tells His people again and again to care for the poor, the stranger, the widow, and the orphan. It’s not just a suggestion—it’s a command. Deuteronomy says, “You shall open wide your hand to your brother, to the needy and to the poor, in your land.” The idea is simple: if you have enough, you help those who don’t.
· See the Face of Jesus: In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus says that whenever you feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, welcome the stranger, or clothe the naked, you’re not just doing it for them—you’re doing it for Him. That’s a radical call to see dignity in every person who is struggling, no matter their circumstances.
· Faith Must Be Practical: The Apostle James puts it bluntly: “Faith without works is dead.” In other words, it doesn’t matter how many prayers you say or how often you go to church if you’re not willing to roll up your sleeves and help someone in need. Real faith shows up in real action.
· Don’t Look Away or Shut People Out: The Bible warns against hardening our hearts to people in trouble. “Do not harden your heart or shut your hand from your poor sibling.” Compassion isn’t just an option—it’s the very foundation of biblical faith.
Beyond Charity: Dignity and Relationship
What’s striking about the Bible’s teachings is that helping people experiencing homelessness isn’t just about tossing a few coins in a cup or cleaning out your closet once a year. It’s about seeing—and treating—every person as someone made in God’s image, worthy of dignity and respect. It’s about more than a handout; it’s about relationship, listening, and real concern.
Throughout the Gospels, Jesus doesn’t just give money. He shares meals with tax collectors and sinners, speaks with women everyone else ignores, touches people society calls “unclean.” He knows people’s names and their stories. The earliest Christians were famous for caring for widows, orphans, travelers, and people who had no one else. Their faith made a difference you could see and feel.
What Should We Do?
So, in plain terms, what does all this mean for regular folks? How do we move from headlines to helping hands?
· Start With an Open Heart: Next time you see someone experiencing homelessness, pause before you judge. Don’t assume you know their story. The Bible reminds us: see the person first, not the problem. A smile, eye contact, or a kind word can go a long way.
· Meet Basic Needs: Sometimes the most important thing is simple: if someone is hungry, feed them; if they’re cold, offer warmth. Offer a cup of coffee, a bottle of water, or a pair of socks. Don’t underestimate small acts of kindness—they matter.
· Support Real Solutions: Not everyone can fix the system, but everyone can do something. Support organizations that provide shelter, health care, job training, or mental health services. If you have time, volunteer. If you have resources, donate. If you have a voice, use it to advocate for policies that address root causes like affordable housing, mental health care, and living wages.
· Be Consistent: Compassion isn’t just for Thanksgiving or the holiday season. Real change comes from steady, ongoing involvement. Find ways to be present—whether it’s through regular volunteering, monthly donations, or simply making it a point to acknowledge and greet unhoused neighbors.
· Challenge Dehumanizing Attitudes: If you hear someone say something cruel or dismissive—like people experiencing homelessness are less worthy of kindness or even life—don’t let it slide. Speak up, gently but firmly. Remind others that every person matters, no matter their situation.
It’s Not Just About Sunday
Living out biblical compassion doesn’t just happen in church or during organized events. It’s in the way we talk about people, the way we treat them on the street, the choices we make every day. It’s in noticing when someone is hurting and choosing not to look away. It’s helping without expecting anything in return.
When the news is ugly or discouraging, it’s easy to tune out or give up hope. But the Bible offers a clear challenge: refuse to let your heart grow hard. Refuse to accept cruelty or dehumanization as “just the way things are.” Instead, choose love, dignity, and action—even when it’s demanding or uncomfortable.
Conclusion: A Call to See and Serve
We live in a world where homelessness is too often treated as a nuisance or a problem to be solved, rather than a human crisis that deserves compassion and action. The headlines may be discouraging—sometimes, even shocking—but they are not the end of the story. Every one of us has a choice: to look away, or to step forward.
Scripture is clear: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This isn’t just a nice sentiment—it’s a blueprint for life. It means using our hands, our time, our resources, and our voices to lift others up. It means seeing every person, no matter their circumstance, as valuable and worthy of love.
So, the next time the news brings a story about homelessness, or you see someone on the street, remember: this is your chance to live out what faith is all about—not just with words, but with real, tangible love. The world may not always choose compassion, but you can. And sometimes, that’s enough to change everything.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 