Q: When we see a homeless person on the street, what should we do?

First and foremost, it is important to understand that everyone is made equal in God’s eyes. Despite the differences in our socioeconomic status, mental health, family background, culture etc… we are all children of God made in His likeness. However, some of us are blessed with more than others, and in this regard – God expects a lot more from those people too. “From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked. Luke 12:48”.

There are over 2000 verses in Scripture that calls upon us to respond to the needs of the poor. When we approach anyone who is in need, it is important to be reminded of what Christ said, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” Matthew 25:40. With this perspective in mind, we approach the poor not as privileged, but with humility and awe because we are serving our Lord Jesus himself.

The Bible gives us many practical examples on how we are to approach those in need. One of these verses is found in Isaiah 58:6-7 “Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke? Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter – when you see the naked, to clothe him, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” So even more practically, what does this look like today in our city? There are many ways you can respond when you see a homeless person on the street – here are a few examples:

1. Don’t judge. You don’t know what has happened in their lives that have led them to become homeless. “Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience” (Colossians 3:12) .

2. Take the time to have a conversation. I have heard that one of the hardest things for the homeless is the feeling that they are invisible, that they don’t exist. Next time you see a homeless person, don’t just pass by. Take the time to stop, introduce yourself and ask how they are doing. You will be surprised about how much you learn.

3. Give pre-made care packages. This is a good idea for everyone, but especially those who see the homeless on a consistent basis. Care packages could include anything that would be useful for those who are homeless (i.e. Bible, TTC token, socks, toothbrush, soap, mittens etc…). If you aren’t able to carry so much around, another idea is buying gift cards (Timmies, grocery stores etc..) and keeping them handy in your wallet. Alternatively, you can ask them what they would like to eat, go buy it for them – and even better – eat with them as well.

4. Be wise. It is important to exercise wise judgement when approaching ANYBODY. For example, if you are alone, and it appears that the individual you want to approach is intoxicated or under the influence, would it be wise to approach them? Probably not, use wisdom!

4. Pray. Pray, pray, pray and pray some more. Pray before, during and after every conversation. Depending on how the conversation has gone, try to take hold of an opportunity to pray for them and their needs. Always remember to point them back to God – the source and reason of why you show love to begin with.

“He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God”. Micah 6:8

[Answered by Patricia F. Luk, Agape Counselor]

Q: Why does God allow poverty?

Q: God clearly has a heart for the poor, but why does poverty exist in the first place?

At its core, poverty is the result of sin (i.e. human selfishness & pride). Generous Giving Ministries gives a solid answer (they also answer a host of questions about poverty and suffering). They answer your question as follows:

"Sometimes we know, and sometimes we don’t. The Bible points to several reasons why God, in his sovereignty, allows poverty in the world. Some kinds of poverty are directly related to our own behavior. First, the Lord sent poverty upon the children of Israel as a punishment for their brazen covenant-breaking (Deuteronomy 28:48). Second, poverty is the natural consequence of laziness, which is the neglect of the responsibilities God gives us (Proverbs 6:10-11; 14:23). We bring this sort of poverty on ourselves. But on the other hand, some kinds of poverty have nothing to do with our behavior; they simply happen to us (e.g., the plight of millions of people in Third World nations). In fact, many instances of poverty are manifestly unjust. In these cases, God allows poverty in his mysterious providence, ultimately for his own glory (John 9:1-3). Here we must confess along with the Scriptures, “The Lord sends poverty and wealth; he humbles and he exalts” (1 Samuel 2:7), even if we cannot point to a satisfactory reason. And whatever the reasons, we know that part of God’s gospel is that he will one day redress all these injustices."

The site also answers the following question: Why does God entrust wealth only to a few when so much poverty exists? Though no one knows why some are rich and others are poor, one thing is for certain: God entrusts wealth to the few so that they will share it with many others (2 Cor. 9:11). If you are a follower of Jesus, your responsibility is to be generous with your blessings! Only those who are self-righteous, lazy and selfish complain about poverty without doing something about it. 

Here are some practical ways that I have personally found helpful:

1. Consider your purchases wisely. More-often-than-not you are buying for your own satisfaction rather than need. 

2. Participate in group activities like the 30 Hour Famine & Samaritan's Purse.

3. Go on a Short-Term Missions Trip (Every year, our youth group goes to Belize, Central America & Urban Promise Toronto. Our church also sends teams to China, Africa and Europe)

4. Instead of receiving gifts for your birthday or Christmas, ask friends/family to donate it to an organization of your choice. When my wife and I were engaged, we asked our friends to donate to the Canadian Bible Society. When our son was born, we asked money to given to our missionary friends in Belize. 

5. Instead of giving your friend a birthday gift or Christmas present, donate to an organization on their behalf. I know families that buy animals (goats, cows, chickens) for poor families (through World Vision) instead of gifts every Christmas. 

These are just some suggestions, but it's a start.

Josh McDowell also provides insight in this article (it addressed the bigger question of evil/suffering, not just poverty, but is helpful nonetheless).

[Answered by Pastor HM]