Embracing the Unseen: Reaching Out to the Homeless with Love, Faith, and Community
Be the hands and feet of Jesus to the least of us
Lessons in Compassion, Faith, and the Power of Community Support
Reflecting on my time of being homeless, I am reminded of profound truths learned through faith and the kindness of others. A recent post from a friend who offered a hug to a homeless person rekindled memories of those days and the invaluable lessons God impressed upon me. Here, I want to share those lessons in the hope that they inspire you to reach out to those in need.
Lesson 1: The Lord Will Provide
One of the first and most comforting lessons I learned is that the Lord truly provides. There were days when I didn’t know where my next meal would come from, yet God always showed up in unexpected ways. Whether it was through a kind stranger, a warm meal, or simply a sense of peace amid uncertainty, I saw that God provides for His people.
Bible Scriptures:
Philippians 4:19 - “And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.”
Matthew 6:26 - “Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?”
Psalm 23:1 - “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”
Lesson 2: Help Comes from the Lord Alone
During my most difficult moments, I realized that true help comes from the Lord. While people and resources were important, it was God who provided them. This realization kept me grounded, reminding me to lean on Him instead of feeling helpless. His love has no boundaries, and it reaches even into the darkest corners of life.
Bible Scriptures:
Psalm 121:1-2 - “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.”
Psalm 46:1 - “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Isaiah 41:10 - “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
Lesson 3: Rely on Community
One of the most beautiful aspects of my journey was learning to rely on the community around me. Even when I felt alone, there were people who cared deeply, offering compassion and practical help. God often uses others as His hands and feet, showing His love through their actions. Being part of a community reminds us that we are not alone and that love can be shared, even with strangers.
Bible Scriptures:
Galatians 6:2 - “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
Proverbs 19:17 - “Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 - “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Embracing the Unseen
One simple gesture, like a hug, can mean the world to someone in need. The memory of my friend’s compassionate act—giving a homeless person a hug and having it accepted—reminds me of the power of love in action. The homeless are often unseen, yet they are beloved in God’s eyes and deserving of our care.
Bible Scriptures:
Matthew 25:35-40 - “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... Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”
Isaiah 58:10 - “If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.”
James 2:15-16 - “If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?”
Final Thoughts
Reaching out to the homeless is about more than charity; it’s about seeing them as God does—valued and loved. My hope is that, as you encounter those in need, you’ll remember these lessons. Extend a hand, offer a smile, or share a word of hope. You never know when your simple act of kindness will remind someone that they are loved, not only by you but by the Lord Himself.
Bible Scriptures for Reflection:
1 John 3:17 - “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?”
Psalm 82:3-4 - “Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; uphold the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy; deliver them from the hand of the wicked.”
May we, in our daily lives, seek to be the hands and feet of Christ, bringing His love, hope, and provision to those who need it most.