What the Bible Has to Say About Houselessness

By Robin Fleming

People’s life stories often describe the presence or lack of a sense of “home,” of physical and emotional stability, security, and belonging. Research and theories about human development and well-being evidence humanity’s need for security, belonging, and stability. The pursuit and construction of defined space as both protection and separation between “me” and “you” seems like an integral part of our design. What does the Bible have to say about it? More to the point here, what does it say about the plight of those who are not housed and how we are to respond?

House, dwelling, refuge, and sense of place are part of God’s vocabulary in His descriptions of His relationship with those who love Him. Old and New Testament scriptures talk about God dwelling with His people (e.g., Ex. 25:8; 29:45; Lev. 26:11; Jn. 1:14; Eph. 2:22) and them dwelling and sheltering with Him (e.g., Ps. 90:1; 91:1, 9-10; Jn. 14:2). One author says that those who put their confidence in God are His house (Heb. 3:8).

God Himself loves to provide home and a sense of place. The Genesis 2 creation account says that God put Adam in the garden as his home to enjoy and care for (Genesis 2). Later, Moses and Joshua remind Israel that God is the provider of the homes, abundance, and place they will soon receive (Deut. 6:10-12; Josh. 24:13). Later, during their captivity in Babylon, God tells them, “Build houses and live in them; plant gardens and eat their produce…” (Jer. 29:4-5). And finally, God promises that His people will enjoy “peaceful habitation…secure dwellings…quiet resting places” (Isa. 32:18), “shall build houses and inhabit them” (see Isa. 65: 17-22), and can expect a large house with many rooms (John 14:1-3). House, home, and sense of place are God’s creation and delight to give.

In God’s kingdom, houses are valued and enjoyed as spaces for security, rest, fellowship, and hospitality. Homes and land ownership were so valued that Israelite individuals who had been forced to sell them in order to provide for their families could redeem them or receive them back in the year of jubilee (Lev. 25:25-28, 31). Generosity and compassion governed their lending and other practices, enabling people to continue to dwell in the land and make their own way once debt had been repaid (see Deut. 24:10-22). Centuries later, early Jesus followers expanded on this, keeping their doors open for getting together, sharing meals, and prayer (e.g., Acts 1:13; Rom. 16:5; 1 Cor. 16:19; Col. 4:15).

Here are my takeaways as we think about those among us who are houseless and as we consider how to respond. First, let’s think about relationships with God – our own and others’ – as dwelling in Him and He in us, living securely sheltered with Him. Imagine every individual experiencing the ultimate sense of place and home. Second, let’s nurture our heart’s delight in helping people find a sense of place, of home, and of security. The ultimate experience of this is one’s relationship with God, but meeting the physical need opens up space to imagine and be receptive to the spiritual reality. Last of all, let’s view houses – our own and others’ – as spaces to experience and share security, rest, connection, and hospitality.