Philosophy View of Shelter
1. A place giving temporary protection from bad weather or danger.
2. A shielded or safe condition; protection.
Biblical View of Shelter
For You have been a shelter for me, a strong tower from the enemy.
Psalm 61:3 KJV
Shelter is a service provided to individuals male, female, single parents or families that are homeless, could be because of a current situation or maybe the crises going on around the world. Statistics shows that many homeless people are facing major challenges that create costly concerns for communities.
Some of these issues are classified into different categories:
SAFETY
Simple definition for safety is, a concept that includes all measures and practices taken to preserve the life, health, and bodily integrity of individuals. These Individuals who are left homeless faces a lot of dangers daily while living on the streets, in their cars, storage sheds or other places not meant for human habitation. These individuals are vulnerable and likely to engaged themselves in chronic intoxication, loitering, trespassing, shoplifting and drug dealing. Oftentimes they suffer from mental illness and addictions that are left untreated.
HEALTH
According to the World Health Organization, health is "a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease and infirmity"
So, we can see that if there is no shelter for homeless persons they are more likely to suffer from chronic medical conditions and complications due to housing instability. These conditions, if left untreated are a significant barrier to a transition to safe, healthy, and productive lives. So likewise is our spiritual health if we don’t read our bibles, fast and are constant in prayer our spiritual lives will not be fruitful.
COST
Cost is the amount that must be paid or spent to buy or obtain something before it can be acquired or done. The high impact for shelter can place a great strain on limited city, county, state financial and health and human service resources.
FAMILY DYSFUNCTION
Shelter can cause a great family dysfunction on families. Healthy families are broken because of homelessness and the pressure of this pandemic season. Safety precautions exacerbated the issues putting families in the uncomfortable position of the planning of keeping extended family in their home, putting everyone at risk of exposure to anything.
I have good news I want to introduce you to the Man called Jesus, He can be your shelter for a lifetime in good or bad season. According to Psalm 32:6-8; 61:3 it reminds us that God is our shelter and hiding place, he will protect us from all harms and danger.
For this shall every one that is godly pray unto thee in a time when thou mayest be found: surely in the floods of great waters they shall not come nigh unto him.
Thou art my hiding place; thou shalt preserve me from trouble; thou shalt compass me about with songs of deliverance.
I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go I will guide thee with mine eye.
Psalm 32:6-8 KJV
For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy.
Psalm 61:3 KJV
The Bible acknowledges the fact of homelessness and instruct us to help those who are poor and needy, including those in homeless situations. God expects us as His people to help those who are homeless. Leviticus 25:35 stated that the Law directly addressed care for those in need. God commands us to help support those who have no home and cannot support themselves.
If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you.
Leviticus 25:35 NIV
In the book of Deuteronomy 15:7–11 tells us that the Lord rebuked those who kept the outward form of religion meaning that we move, direct or turned towards the outside or away from the centre and we did not care for the poor. This is the reflection of Christians in today’s society we turn a blind eye on our brothers and sisters when they need our help.
If anyone is poor among your fellow Israelites in any of the towns of the land the LORD your God is giving you, do not be hard hearted or tight fisted toward them.
Rather, be open handed and freely lend them whatever they need.
Be careful not to harbour this wicked thought: “The seventh year, the year for cancelling debts, is near,” so that you do not show ill will toward the needy among your fellow Israelites and give them nothing. They may then appeal to the LORD against you, and you will be found guilty of sin.
Give generously to them and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the LORD your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.
There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore, I command you to be open handed toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land.
Deuteronomy 15:7-11 NIV
The Bible does not shy away from the difficult and unpleasant reality that most or some people have experienced terrible setbacks and hardships in their lives, even to the point of becoming destitute. This delightful book recognizes that poverty, social injustice, and homelessness are real problems that constantly plague society.
also teaches that we are to be radically different from the world in how we view and treat our neighbours. In fact, we should go out of our way to provide for the homeless and others in need, trusting God to reward us in His time. The book of Isaiah 58 :6-7 reminds us that this the fasting God has chosen for us to share our food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter and when you see the naked, to clothe them and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood.
“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 them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?
Isaiah 58:6-7 NIV
The book of wisdom, Proverbs, lays down the principle of giving to the poor and attaches it to a blessing.
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done”
Proverbs 19:17 NIV
Those who refuse to help the poor will find themselves on the losing end.
“Those who give to the poor will lack nothing, but those who close their eyes to them receive many curses”
Proverbs 28:27 NIV
According to Luke 14:12-14 Our Lord and Master gave a good example not to focus on those who are able to return favours, but we should focus on the less able without expectations.
Then Jesus said to his host, “When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbours; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid.
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind,
and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Luke 14: 12- 14 NIV
God created all people in His image, everyone, regardless of social status or economic limitations has intrinsic worth. Oppressing or exploiting those who are weaker or poorer than we are is wickedness. From cover to cover, Scripture says that we should show generosity, compassion, kindness, and mercy in practical, tangible ways.
So, God created mankind in his own image, In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.
Genesis 1:27 NIV
Let us not only pretend to love one another in words but with sincerity of heart let us show love with our actions also, God bless you as you read.
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