As a Christian: To Help or Walk By?

Being a Christian often comes with a responsibility to serve and care for others, especially those in need. However, navigating the complexities of homelessness can be challenging. Thoughts of guilt, fear of negativity, and the reality of dealing with deceit can all cloud our intentions to help. In this article, we will explore different perspectives and personal experiences to better understand how Christians, particularly in the context of homelessness, can make informed decisions.

The Guilt and Scared But Well-Intentioned Christian

As a Christian, I used to feel a deep sense of guilt every time I encountered a homeless person and walked by. Running away, rather than approaching, seemed like the safe choice, but the fear of being shouted at or dealing with the unpredictability of interactions often overrode my good intentions. I often wondered why I could not simply talk to the person and offer words of help or kindness. My friend, who works at a homeless shelter, embodies the quiet strength and compassion that many should aspire to. She faces the challenges of paying bills and rent, while knowing that homeless individuals often receive significant funds without using them responsibly.

Homelessness and Deception

A significant portion of the homeless population consists of individuals who, to some degree, chose their circumstances through drug and alcohol abuse. These individuals often turn to begging or asking for help, only to use the funds for personal vices such as drugs. The systemic issue of fraud and deceit serves to devalue the support and resources meant for those truly in need. Unfortunately, this heightened awareness can lead to a degree of skepticism when encountering individuals asking for help. Nevertheless, it's important to recognize that programs and resources are in place to support a variety of needs, including the welfare of children and families.

Choosing to Make a Difference

While it's understandable to want to protect oneself from exploitation, it is also crucial to recognize the ethical imperative to help when one has the means. This was evident in a personal experience I had while working for a catered lunch provider. My colleague and I made a special meal, which we drove back to a local store to give to a homeless man I had seen earlier. After he had initially declined, he later accepted the meal, which was followed by additional acts of kindness, such as providing him with a winter coat. This experience underscored how small actions can make a significant difference in someone's life.

Another personal insight came from a time when my own brother faced homelessness, mostly due to his addiction to online relationships. He chose to pursue this path, despite the support of his family. It wasn't until God directed me to help him that he was able to regain stability and turn his life around. This story highlights the importance of addressing the root causes of homelessness and providing guidance and support rather than immediate financial aid.

Conclusion

As Christians, we are called to serve and love our neighbors, even in challenging situations. While hesitation and fear are natural, they should not unduly influence our decisions. By understanding the complexities of homelessness and the feelings surrounding it, Christians can make more informed and compassionate choices. Whether it's choosing to help or to walk away, it's important to approach each situation with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to honesty and integrity.

Key Takeaways

Homelessness involves a mix of circumstantial and self-chosen factors, making it a complex issue to navigate ethically. Ethical considerations and personal experiences can inform our decisions on how to help the homeless. Providing stability and guidance, rather than financial aid, can be more effective in addressing the root causes of homelessness.

Stay connected to community resources and programs that can help those in need, even if you choose not to offer direct assistance. By continuing to educate ourselves and others, we can continue to improve our ethical and compassionate approaches to caring for the homeless within our communities.