Compassion for the Homeless?

Question

I often wonder why people who call themselves "religious" are sometimes so nasty and condescending to homeless people. Does treating people with compassion only apply to those people in your same economic bracket or above? Wouldn't you want compassion if you were a victim of circumstance?

Granted there are people who have made bad choices and that's the reason that they are homeless. Haven't we all done things we later regretted and wish we could change?

I'm not even advocating giving the homeless money. I'm advocating that we treat them like human beings and respect their dignity.

Answer 1

I was the person you describe in the past and now I have spent a considerable amount of time with them and now have a deep compassion for them. It would be a blessing if more followers of Christ would go to the streets and offer prayer and encouragement to them. Yesterday I did and the lady broke down in public tears and thanked me. Also others saw the " doing" and commented on it, and will probably follow suit. It is only by the grace of God and obedience that this once productive citizen, now disabled has the resources to not be homeless myself. It is as close as sickness, divorce, or a car wreck, then all goes fast. You might be surprised to hear how most wound up being homeless and how difficult it is to get out of it. I do associate with some who choose to be homeless or they got their home in a squatters camp and are fairly happy about it. I'm just gonna keep showing them the love that I have learned from the example of Christ's life. Sometimes the smallest act of kindness impacts these people tremendously. Prayer is inexpensive.

Answer 2

I agree that people are not very compassionate to the less fortunate. I'm not sure that religious people are more disrespectful to the homeless than any other group, but I think that they have no excuse to act that way. If they are Christian, treating someone kindly and helping them is what their religion is based upon.

I really get upset when people say they are lazy and should get a job. I'm suprised that there are people out there who don't understand that many homeless have a disability or illness, and that going around insulting and shouting at them will actually solve anything

Answer 3

I am not sure where your question is coming from. It seems as if you have had one (or some) negative experiences with a few "religious" people in this area.

Many churches open their facilities as homeless shelters; other Christian churches offer food pantry, second-hand clothing, meals and other services to the homeless and the poor. Still others go out into the streets, especially in the winter to give warm clothing, hats and gloves to homeless people. And the list goes on and on.

I don't know who these "religious" people are. I do know Christians - Protestants and Catholics who provide food, temporary and permanent shelter and many other services to meet the needs of the homeless and working poor.

We do it not get medals on our chest, or for anybody to notice our work. We do it because Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.' We do it because God tells us to love God and to love our neighbor.

Hope you will take the time to see some of the good work being done by Christians to meet the needs of the less fortunate.

Answer 4

I do not believe that all religious people are like that to the homeless. Grant it I have been homeless a couple of times so I can say with experience that their have been religious people whom have helped me out and I got on my feet. I have received help from a variety of people from drug addicts, alcoholics and religious people. So, I don't see this condescending attitude toward the homeless.

Answer 5

Most homeless people are wonderful folks who just need another chance; anyone can become homeless just by making one little mistake.
Most homeless people don't need spare change or package food; if you truly want to help homeless folks, get him a job and a place he can call home. He will appreciate it and God will bless you.

Answer 6

Sweeping statement there!

I disagree with you as you seem to target 'religious people' as being nasty and condescending, and yet I find that it is the Christian people in my city who do the most work amonst the homeless, showing them genuine love and respect!

I know many Christians who are involved with street work with the homeless, helping them by feeding them, finding rehabs etc.
I myself work for Teen Challenge which is a Christian rehab, who see girls come off the streets having lived in such awful situations, and a year later, they leave, completely transformed by the Power of God!

Not sure how you can to your conclusion?

Answer 7

"compassion" is disappearing from this world.Everyone is after material riches.Who cares for the needy,the homeless,the hungry? This happens in every country.We spent billions of money for futile war,religious rivalries,and fashion shows as well as for cosmetics.Even if 2% of the money wasted if set apart it could solve the poverty,sickness and homelessness of the entire world.But who cares.. this question stairs at my face.

Answer 8

Every major city has homeless shelters. You can donate time or money to them. It's a great way to help the homeless without enabling them.

Answer 9

I could not agree with you more. If you are a Christian and serve God, there is no reason for you to judge anyone in any circumstance of any kind. That would not be Christ like. I hate it when people yell at them to get a job, we are not in their shoes, who knows there story and why they live in the streets.

Answer 10

You are right, the homeless deserve our compassion but I take exception to your assertion that religous people are the only culprit.