What does the Bible say about this dilemma?

on Nov 22, 2025

From the writings of the Rev. Billy Graham

Q: I live alone in a rather large home and have been given a love for hospitality, but my church has asked me to house some homeless people. I’m so conflicted. The Lord knows I want to help, but I have to consider safety issues—particularly since I’m not able to speak the language of the people who would be living here for an unlimited time. I don’t know if I’m feeling peer pressure to say yes or if the Lord is guiding me to protect myself by declining. Declining makes me feel selfish. What does the Bible say about this dilemma? – P.W.

A: There are burdens that every person must bear, but the Lord will help carry them. When we spend time in prayer, He will bring direction and a peace about the answer. Christians are also called to bear one another’s burdens, and friends and family can help us bear sorrows, misfortune, trials, loneliness, family cares and spiritual difficulties. But we are not to worry about our burdens. We are to roll them onto God’s shoulders, looking to Him for power to sustain and strengthen us. Sometimes we overlook the simplest resources: wisdom and common sense.

The Bible says that as Christians, we are to be generous with each other. Providing someone else’s solution doesn’t mean it is God’s plan. But God does want His church to take care of widows and orphans.

While we can share our concerns and difficulties with others, asking for their prayers and fellowship of encouragement, we must also be interested in the burdens that others bear. The Bible says we are to contribute to the needs of the saints … practice hospitality … “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2, NKJV).

Most of all, we mustn’t let the burdens and hardships of this life distract us or discourage us. We must be reminded to keep our eyes fixed on what God promised—His presence every step of our journey.

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(This column is based on the words and writings of the late Rev. Billy Graham.)