We Call for Social Justice – God Calls for Love

“It’s not fair!”

That’s true! Life’s not fair.

We want fair and we want equal. Of course, it’s okay with us if we’re a little more equal.

We want someone to fix the problem of poverty. Of course, that would be someone else . . . the government, charities, and the obscenely rich.

We want social justice. We wave our indignation banners high and feel good about ourselves. Of course we do.

But God says -

Give generously to the poor, not grudgingly, for the Lord your God will bless you in everything you do. Deuteronomy 15:10

Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. Psalm 82:3

It is a sin to belittle one’s neighbor; blessed are those who help the poor. Proverbs 14:21

I’ll admit this is convicting. I’m painfully aware that I could be doing so much more. I know I don’t care for the poor the way God commands.

Is it possible that one of the reasons so many of us shout for social justice is we want the government to make it fair so we don’t have to get our hands dirty. But as followers of Jesus we’re supposed to get our hands dirty . . . like He did.

Loving like Jesus calls us to provide clean water, share our food, give our clothing, visit prisons and hospitals, make friends out of strangers . . . love our neighbor.

Let’s take a look at:

Ways We Can Love Our Neighbor – Locally

1. Pray for direction, eyes to see need, and willingness to do something about it.
2. Give food to a local food bank or homeless shelter.
3. Take a meal to family who has been hit with illness or unemployment.
4. Visit a nursing home and ask to spend time with someone whose family never visits.
5. Visit someone who can’t leave home due to illness or age.
6. Go through your closet and give away the items that don’t fit or those you seldom wear.
7. Donate personal care items to a homeless shelter.
8. Volunteer at a soup kitchen.
9. Offer to tutor children in a homeless shelter, at the Y, or your local kid’s clubs.
10. Show respect, compassion, and kindness to everyone . . . everywhere.

Did you notice everything on this list costs very little? These are ways we can share what we already have. Ways to love our neighbor by sharing what God has given to us.

I’m challenged to do more to love my neighbor. Will you join me?

Would you please help to encourage us by telling us what you are already doing to love your neighbor – locally?

Thank you and God bless you as you live with intentional gratitude by loving your neighbor.

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. As the Scriptures say, “They share freely and give generously to the poor. Their good deeds will be remembered forever.” 2 Corinthians 9:8-9

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