Category: Serving the Poor

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Show Love by Giving to Others

Not everyone has the capacity to provide material things for others, but the Apostle John provides this simple reminder for those who can help:

If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 1 John 3:17

One of John’s reoccurring themes is love. I hope and pray you will invest time to get to know John, the Apostle, the human, pastor, and brother in Christ. After writing 78 blog posts on the gospel of John and his letters, I feel like I know him personally. When he asks, how can the love of God be in someone, he is speaking from an in-depth, personal knowledge from serving Jesus in person for something like 1,000 days. His words come from a heart that is intimately aware of God.

Here’s some context to consider. John’s first letter was to warn the church about those who are trying to divide it into factions that propose false doctrine. He used the term “liar” to identify those who would suggest that Jesus was not fully man and fully God. There were those in the church that were woefully misguided and were leading many astray. John’s words are strong and significant yet loving and kind. He is trying to instill what Father Gregory Boyle calls, radical kinship.

Back to the text at hand.

No Pity

There are times when some English translations are not so helpful. In this case, the NIV translates the original phrase to include, “has no pity,” but most of the other translations follow the Greek a bit closer (I looked at 59 other translations):

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need and closes his heart against him, 1 John 3:17

The idea of “closes his heart against him” carries a lot more weight in my mind. While we might pity someone else, we are not called to pity one another. We are commanded to love everyone in actions and deeds. A closed heart is one that is cold, not willing to be vulnerable, rigid, uncaring. The opposite is a tender heart. One who is moved by seeing a brother or sister in need.

One Who Sees

We have to be able to see the person in need. If we are inwardly focused, it’s unlikely we’ll even see the one in need. This brings us back to the idea of seeing invisible people. As Christ-followers, we can’t stick our heads in the sand and proclaim we never saw someone who needed help. If we do, we’ll be the ones asking:

When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you? Matthew 25:38-39

They Will Know We Are Christians by our Love

An old song that probably needs a new arrangement declares that we should be known as a people who love one another without reservation. Where we work, the words we use, the care we show for one another, in all ways, our demonstrated should draw people to Christ. Sometimes this looks like giving material possessions, but love doesn’t cost anything and is only amplified when it’s given away.

Give goods when you can, please, but in all things, love your neighbor as yourself.

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God will never forget the needy

I’m stuck on Psalm 9 this morning (actually it started yesterday). In particular, this verse keeps ringing in my ears:

But God will never forget the needy;
the hope of the afflicted will never perish. Psalm 9:18

How can anyone be still after hearing that God is so concerned for the needy? Can we just read this verse and continue unmoved? Sometimes I wonder if we’ve heard this so much that we simply stop listening. Many are convinced that the problem is so big that there is nothing one person can do to stem the tide of despair in our community. I don’t think this is a valid observation. From my perspective, the opposite is closer to the truth. The needy and the afflicted are near and dear to the heart of God. When we come upon an issue that is beyond our reach, we have the opportunity to see His hand at work. And here’s the thing: His hand is actually attached to our arms.

Shea’s Painting

Pastor Jay Sloan illustrated this point in a sermon at Artisan Fellowship one Sunday earlier this year. In reference to Shea Abramo’s painting, he asked us to consider that the canvas was at one point, just a plain white surface. We now see the beautiful painting that inspired Shea to pick up the brush, dip it into various pigments, and render what God planted in her mind. Did God paint the picture? Yes indeed. God painted the picture through the hands and artistry of one who is listening to the Spirit speak to her heart.

God will never forget. Neither should we.

The second part of this simple verse reminds us of this amazing truth:

the hope of the afflicted will never perish.

The hope, in this case, is none other than the Almighty God, the Holy One, the Creator of all. He will never perish, and He is always concerned.

Before closing out this post, let’s take a quick look at the first word from verse 18: but. If there’s a but at the beginning, there must be something preceding that requires our attention, so let’s back up to verses 15-17:

The nations have fallen into the pit they have dug;
their feet are caught in the net they have hidden.
The Lord is known by his acts of justice;
the wicked are ensnared by the work of their hands.
The wicked go down to the realm of the dead,
all the nations that forget God. Psalm 9:15-17

The nations who have forgotten the ways of the Lord will be snared by their own noose. Take a look at the subtitle for this psalm as written in the NIV:

For the director of music. To the tune of “The Death of the Son.” A psalm of David.

Ouch! I wonder what that tune sounds like! The title alone paints an ugly portrait I would not want to display in my home!

Let’s end on a positive note:

The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed,
a stronghold in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you. Psalm 9:9-10

For those who work with the oppressed, the lost, the lonely, please hear the words of the psalmist and know that you are in great company. When you are providing shelter, food, clothing, and much more, you are the hands and feet of the Lord. May God bless your work! Amen.

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Learn to do right

Today’s inspiration comes from the ancient text recorded in the book of Isaiah. The introduction to the most significant prophetic work in the Bible includes this rebuke:

Learn to do right; seek justice.
Defend the oppressed.
Take up the cause of the fatherless;
plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:17

Isaiah’s words are strong and powerful. Through the first five chapters, we find strong words against our forefathers, coupled with few words that promise restoration. The rebellious nation will be held accountable! Their transgressions are intolerable and are a testimony against the Mighty One of Israel.

The verse that precedes today’s text amplifies its significance:

Wash and make yourselves clean.
Take your evil deeds out of my sight;
stop doing wrong. Isaiah 1:16

Stop doing wrong! These words may come from the mouth of Isaiah, but they are from the Lord. They sting and burn because they were valid for Israel hundreds of years ago. It seems they are every bit as relevant to our postmodern culture–without the threat of Assyrian invasion or Babylonian exile.

Isaiah tells the people there are many things they are doing wrong; modern instances of meaningless worship gatherings that we might experience today. Please read chapter one to get the full impact of his words, especially Isaiah 1:13-15.

The focus of this blog, however, is to emphasize why we serve the marginalized in our communities. I don’t want to be naive and cherrypick Scripture out of context. Isaiah’s point here is that they are rebellious when they should be doing what is right. They should be seeking justice, defending the oppressed, orphans, and widows. Apparently, they are not doing any of these things.

The question for the churches we serve and for us, are we doing the same? Are we known for seeking justice? When did we last defend the poor? Shouldn’t we lead the fight for orphans and widows?

When we look back at the tumultuous history of our forefathers, we are tempted to mock them as fools, but I’m afraid the mirror doesn’t lie. If I’m completely honest, I’m pretty sure I’ve submitted meaningless offerings and participated in worthless assemblies.

My friends, this must not be our story.

Let us learn to do that which is right and just. May we be known as the fools that stood with Christ to take up the case of the least, the lost, and the lonely.

I’m excited to work with non-profit organizations that are doing much of the heavy lifting in seeking justice and fighting for the poor, but it’s time to mobilize the church. I’m confident there will be little argument about the concept; instead, implementation becomes the sticky point.

We need to focus on efforts that work in concert with others, not going against the grain. The secret is defining what we are passionate about in terms that are not selfishly motivated. In other words, we need to defend the poor because they have no defense otherwise, not to promote one organization over the other. Our concern should focus on the people.

There are no easy answers, but that is not a valid excuse for doing nothing. Throughout the Bible, we see example after example about caring for those who can’t care for themselves. If it’s that important to the Mighty One of Israel, it most certainly should be important to us.

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Serving those in Need: Holy Responsibility

What if serving those in need was more than merely a good thing to do? Job makes his case in chapter 31:

13 “If I have denied justice to any of my servants,
whether male or female,
when they had a grievance against me,
14 what will I do when God confronts me?
What will I answer when called to account?
15 Did not he who made me in the womb make them?
Did not the same one form us both within our mothers?

16 “If I have denied the desires of the poor
or let the eyes of the widow grow weary,
17 if I have kept my bread to myself,
not sharing it with the fatherless—
18 but from my youth I reared them as a father would,
and from my birth I guided the widow—
19 if I have seen anyone perishing for lack of clothing,
or the needy without garments,
20 and their hearts did not bless me
for warming them with the fleece from my sheep,
21 if I have raised my hand against the fatherless,
knowing that I had influence in court,
22 then let my arm fall from the shoulder,
let it be broken off at the joint.
23 For I dreaded destruction from God,
and for fear of his splendor I could not do such things. Job 31:13-23

Job would rather his arm fall off than to be in the company of those who treated servants unjustly. Stated in a more positive sense, we should be known for those who:

  • treat all people justly
  • serve the poor
  • take care of the widow
  • cloth those in need
  • look after the orphans

Serving as an Obligation

If we make serving an obligation, we completely miss the point. Viewed this way, there is always one above the other. In essence, we strengthen the barriers that divide rather than eliminating them. There are no neighborhoods in heaven. But if I had to choose between obligatory serving and not showing up, I’m afraid I would rather side with serving and trust that God would provide the necessary transformation. A seed that remains in the pouch has no chance of growing. One planted on rocky soil won’t grow either, but it might provide a snack for a passing bird. The story of Job above suggests he did all these things in the shadow of “fear of his splendor.” Do something, even if it feels mechanical for a time. Keep looking inside for that which ignites the passionate desire that is consistent with God’s plan for your life. Do nothing, and we all lose.

Serving with a Radically Changed Heart

One of the profound lessons from the teaching of Jesus is that of a radically changed heart. Radical change is required for radical generosity. When we are transformed, we don’t view possessions as something to hold onto. Whatever things we own become tools for helping others. If we have money, it can be put to good use. If we have time, we look for ways to invest the hours. None of which comes from a place of guilt or obligation. Instead, it comes from deep within our hearts and is expressed with the utmost joy.

Holy Responsibility

The term, holy responsibility, sounds like the most pious and religious perspective possible. Imagine printing t-shirts promoting the notion of such. No one would likely buy one, even with the most compelling graphic design! Yet serving those in need is something we are commanded to accept as our responsibility. How do we live with the tension?

My hope and prayer is this series of posts will help guide the discussion by creating a solid biblical foundation to build upon. As we mature, the term responsibility shouldn’t sound threatening any more than welcoming discipline from the loving Father. Growth is often accompanied by pain, but it doesn’t have to be overbearing or arduous — one step at a time.

This is the same approach we should consider when helping others: one methodical step at a time. This is when helping heals rather than hurting. Let’s strive for that!

One more thought about the story of Job: it takes a while before he comes around. The quote above is from chapter 31; the watershed moment happens much later in chapter 38, when God speaks. One of my favorite passages:

Brace yourself like a man;
I will question you,
and you shall answer me.
Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundation?
Tell me, if you understand. Job 38:3-4

After the seemingly endless back and forth conversation between Job and his friends, God enters the conversation. Job finally understands:

“I know that you can do all things;
no purpose of yours can be thwarted. Job 42:2

As we seek to serve those in need, may we do so with joy; may we have the faith that God can and will do what is necessary to mend the broken-hearted, to heal every wound, to find the lost, and to satisfy the hungry. Mostly, I pray that He will use us in the process.

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Embracing the Outcasts

The series I’m creating here focuses on the Biblical mandate for serving the least, the lost, and the lonely. Those who are lonely are often the outcasts of society. The group transcends age, race, and income level. Someone can be incredibly wealthy and be inconsolably lonely. Loneliness leads to many mental health issues, and sadly, extreme loneliness is often the root of suicide.

Matthew was among this group. Though he was rich by worldly standards, I believe he was very lonely. To use the words of Jesus, he was sick.

On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17

Jesus demonstrated His ability to look beyond outward appearances and look deep into the heart of man. While the context suggests He sees people as sick, He does not cast them into groups of haves and have nots. How He handles these situations are there for us to learn from. Jesus is not only permitting us to engage with sinners, but He also gives us a great example.

Mark’s Gospel account provides very little backdrop for the call of Matthew. In verse 14, Jesus simply says, “Follow me,” and Matthew’s life is instantly changed. While there was probably more to the interaction, the scene is consistent with how Mark writes the oldest of the Gospel accounts. He gets right to the point without superfluous details.

The only context we’re given for this great theological statement is the event that appears to follow Matthew’s decision to follow Jesus immediately:

While Jesus was having dinner at Levi’s house, many tax collectors and sinners were eating with him and his disciples, for there were many who followed him. When the teachers of the law who were Pharisees saw him eating with the sinners and tax collectors, they asked his disciples: “Why does he eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said to them, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:15-17

The self-righteous in this story are looking down on Jesus because He is surrounded by sinners. Jesus goes out of His way to be in that position. This adds fuel to the fire of the Pharisees and teachers of the law. Doesn’t Jesus know about these people?

Do we see loneliness in people? Can you imagine having no friends, no family, no one to lean one when you’re having a bad day? Or for that matter, having a great day. Extend that thought by imagining no friends to relate to for a month, a year, or even years. It’s easy to see loneliness in the eyes of someone walking into a shelter, but even then it’s often disguised with alcohol or some other substance use disorder. Those who have been blessed with earthly possessions can hide their loneliness with things of earthly value, but little eternal significance. All deserve a chance to have a relationship with Jesus.

Discipleship is grounded in a relationship with Christ and fueled by our relationship with others. These relationships begin with the acceptance of those who would otherwise be labeled unacceptable.

May we learn to remove our judgment robes and love people the way Jesus demonstrated, especially those who are lonely.

Holy Spirit, give us the ability to see the lonely among us, to have a heart that breaks for their emptiness, and the courage to introduce them to the One who stands ready to fill the gap.

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Oppressing the Poor

To what degree do we systemically oppress the poor? The question arises amid the popular notion of social justice in our society. The young-adult generation sees social justice as a means to defend the rights of those who are otherwise overlooked. Most forget the fact that the concept is deeply ingrained in the Bible.

This is what the Lord Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’ Zechariah 7:9-10

It’s no surprise that this should influence our culture today, but I think we’ve lost our zeal for implementing justice because we overlook the first seven words from the quote above. This is not a concept or good idea; this is what the Lord Almighty said. It’s not a suggestion. Zechariah had the dubious honor of prophesying to the Israelites who have returned from the Babylonian exile as he tries to convey this poignant message.

They needed to unlearn that which was pounded into them when they were in exile. Our forefathers were assimilated into Babylonia because they lost their way. After 70 years of exile, a remnant was able to return and restore the temple. I can’t imagine how that affected them, but the very next few verses provide a hint:

But they refused to pay attention; stubbornly they turned their backs and covered their ears. They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the Lord Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets. Zechariah 7:11-12

They refused to pay attention. Their hearts were like flint–extremely hard and brittle. Before we adjust our seats and judge those ancient people as uninformed and uneducated, look around and observe our society where we see incredible injustice.

Recognize that in this country alone, we had to have a Civil Rights Movement to change the course of history, and yet we know racism still exists. Look at the data, and you’ll see some of the highest incarceration rates in the world in our country. Further, you’ll see most of those in prison are from our most impoverished communities.

If God is the defender of the poor, I think it’s fair to say that we must be as well. In Timothy Keller’s book, Generous Justice, he points out that “injustice is not equally distributed.“1 Those from the lowest economic groups have higher barriers to surpass. If Father Gregory Boyle is right, we have much to learn from our friends who are viewed as the poor in society. It’s my prayer that hearts will change when eyes are finally able to see those we refuse to see.

Let me leave you with some encouragement from the next chapter.

The seed will grow well, the vine will yield its fruit, the ground will produce its crops, and the heavens will drop their dew. I will give all these things as an inheritance to the remnant of this people. Just as you, Judah and Israel, have been a curse among the nations, so I will save you, and you will be a blessing. Do not be afraid, but let your hands be strong. Zechariah 8:12-13

We have the great advantage of being able to look back on this passage and know how God fulfilled His promise through Jesus. The remnant grows, and somehow Jesus is born from this lineage to show us the true way to the Father. In foresight, it’s hard to imagine, but in hindsight, we see it clearly.

In one of Tim Keller’s sermons2, he provided two pictures for us to consider. One was that of an acorn; the other was a 100-year old tree. If we only knew the acorn, how could we ever envision the tree? The potential wrapped up in that tiny seed is precisely what was needed to create a massive tree. What vision has God planted in your heart that no one else can see? Have faith. Don’t be surprised that no one else gets it right away.

Serve the widow, the fatherless, the foreigner, and the poor. Reach out to those experiencing homelessness, drug addiction, alcoholism, substance use disorders of all kinds. Plant the seeds and trust that God sees a mighty forest!

 

1 Keller, Timothy. Generous Justice: How Gods Grace Makes Us Just, p. 7. Penguin Books, 2016.

2 Gospel in Light Sermon Series, jump to the 36-minute mark for a description of the acorn and the Redwood tree.

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Dishonoring the Poor

Sometimes when I’m reading the Bible a word or verse or phrase touches me deeply and I just sit there and sob. This is one of those moments:

Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor. James 2:5-6a

Maybe it’s because I’m reading books about those in deep poverty (see our Recommended Reading List). It might be reaching a stage in life where experiences have finally added up to move me in the direction God had planned all along.

One thing I know for sure: God cares deeply about those the world wants to discard. The more I come to understand this, the more I am moved to do something to break down barriers erected by society in response to irrational fears. But before I jump on that soapbox, let’s consider the verse above and back up to appreciate the context.

The first half of chapter 2 falls under the heading of Favoritism Forbidden in my NIV Study Bible. James paints a picture of a meeting where some arrive wearing gold and fine clothes versus others who arrive in filthy, worn-out attire.  The former is greeted graciously while the latter is utterly disregarded; all based on outward appearances. He goes on to remind us that you must love our neighbor as yourself or you are guilty of showing favoritism. This is a careless sin.

Father Gregory Boyle has 30+ years serving those who society would prefer to launch on a one-way ticket to anywhere. In an interview, I found a quote that is one of his consistent themes:

So you learn something from the poor. The poor radicalized you, the poor evangelize you, you know. So I found myself, I kind of turned inside out and upside down. So, when I got to this parish and very new young priest, I already knew what it was like to let people be your trustworthy guides to somehow lead you, the widow, orphan, and the strangers, what the Old Testament calls it. God sort of picks these three because God thinks these are the folks who know what it’s like to have been cut off. Because they’ve suffered in that particular way, I believe that God thinks they’re the trustworthy guide. So they’re leading me to something. I’m not leading them to some place.1

This is the persistent theme of Barking to the Choir. More than just inspiring stories, Fr. Greg wants us to take this to heart, to move us deep inside.

Last week, I had the opportunity to have dinner with someone that many would place in the second group of James’ meeting parable, that is, someone who is poor by society’s standard. I didn’t want to have dinner out of pity, I truly wanted to learn from my friend. What I found in that brief discussion is that I have a lot to learn. I had the privilege of listening to someone who cares deeply for the concern of others regardless of circumstance or motivation.

They just need a place to sleep! I don’t care what they’ve done, but they shouldn’t have to sleep in the woods and beg for food.

What a novel idea.

Of course, the solution is complicated and confounded by drugs, alcohol, and illicit activity, but that doesn’t give us permission to ignore those who endure basic needs for survival. It’s no wonder that mental health is a major issue.

One last thought as we ponder James’ words: he was the brother of Jesus. He grew up with the Savior and didn’t recognize Him for many years. My guess is this discovery fueled his passion for telling others about Christ, but even more, it drove him to tell us to go and do something about our new found faith.

Today, as you sit and chat with someone who might not ever grace the steps of a church, let alone wear a coat and tie, may I suggest one thing: listen. When you do, I hope you’re man or woman enough to sit somewhere and sob; brokenhearted for the least, the lost and the lonely.

 

1 https://www.aldacommunicationtraining.com/podcast/father-greg-boyle-compassion-kinship-real-ways-help-others/

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Practice Hospitality

The NIV translation of Romans 12:13 is quite appealing:

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

I love the idea that we are to practice hospitality. Years ago, I wanted to publish a magazine with the title, Practicing Parents. I kept the domain name for years, but alas, I never followed through on the idea. The concept came during the time we owned a Montessori School, and I interacted with lots and lots of parents. What I came to realize quite quickly was the term practice not only applies to doctors; it applies to parents as well. As much as we know, learn, and experience, it’s a constant reminder that we’re always improving. We’re practicing.

So it’s wonderful to think about the idea of practicing hospitality. We won’t always get it right, but that should not prevent us from trying one thing, then another. The simple idea here is to share with those in need. I would add, share with intentionality, not accidentally.

Bible Gateway’s online version of this verse is in a paragraph labeled Love in Action. It’s just a few verses to encourage and exhort; a great reminder to those who serve the least, the lost, and the lonely.

Love in Action

Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:9-13

This morning I got to see this in action at Clean Start, a ministry that provides showers and laundry service for people living on the streets or without amenities we often take for granted. No cameras or spotlights were involved, just beautiful volunteers caring for those who have so little. Watching Norene hug someone who was beaten up a few nights ago touch my heart. Her sincere concern for Tanya was evident. Just one example of love in action that happens without fanfare.

Now it’s your turn. May God bless you in immeasurable ways for loving others with sincerity. I pray for opportunities today, and I hope we won’t miss that which is right in front of us.

 

 

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The Poor Will Always Be With You: Be Openhanded

One of the frequently quoted Scripture references I’ve heard is “the poor will always be with you.” Most of the time this is a quote from Jesus:

The poor you will always have with you, but you will not always have me. Matthew 26:11

However, like many things Jesus said when referring to what we call Old Testament references, His audience knew the complete reference:

There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be openhanded toward your fellow Israelites who are poor and needy in your land. Deuteronomy 15:11

These are two different sermons. The first reference to Matthew’s Gospel and the words of Jesus demand that we remember the context in which it was said and complete the sentence. Just three verses later, Matthew records the betrayal by Judas.

The second reference, the one I’m focusing on today, is from an ancient section of Scripture that outlines the requirements for the year of canceling debts for the Israelites. The rules Moses provides come from a posture of abundance. The Israelites have just been given the Promised Land with great wealth.

there need be no poor people among you, for in the land the Lord your God is giving you to possess as your inheritance, he will richly bless you, Deuteronomy 15:4

God’s people, the chosen ones, should be rich. They should have all they could ever want.

Imagine for a moment that you have everything you need and then some. Yours is a life of abundance. When you look around, there is nothing you need, but you see others who are poor. How do you respond? Moses tells us how we are not to react as a clue: “I command you to be openhanded.” Even though God has provided more than enough, some will be poor. Our response is to be openhanded, to give generously. To trust that God who provided our riches in the first place will continue to be true to His word.

When Jesus used the same phrase, “the poor you will always have,” I believe He did so with this in mind. And I believe His disciples were completely aware of the context.

Sadly, there are those in our community that do not have enough to meet basic needs and have to reach out for help. May we learn to be openhanded and trust God will fill any gaps. May we have faith to reach out to those in need without stigma or prejudice.

If we, as followers of Christ, do nothing about helping the poor, who will?

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Helping the Poor: My Religion

James, the brother of Jesus, is pretty clear in his short contribution to the New Testament when he talks about our responsibility to help those in need:

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. James 1:27

The basic concept is this: true worshippers control what they say, are actively involved in doing what scriptures teach, and are careful to avoid sinning.

When we do these things, we are walking in step with the Father. The TEDx talk below provides an incredible example of a man living out these concepts. His words are kind, he is certainly doing the work of the Father, and by all accounts, his example is one to follow.

Kinship:
How can we achieve a certain kind of compassion that stands in awe at what the poor have to carry rather than stand in judgment of how they carry it. The measure of our compassion lies not in our service of those on the margins, but in our willingness to see ourselves in kinship with them, in mutuality. –Father Gregory Boyle

The incredibly positive impact of Homeboy Industries is the work of many people over several years.

Don’t be confused by the words, “true religion.” This is not a command to become pious.

The word “religious” (threskos) appears only here in the New Testament, though its root word (the noun threskia) is found elsewhere in the New Testament. It can refer to both the inner and outer qualities of worship; generally, however (as here), it points to external ceremonies. Paul uses it to refer to the worship of angels (Colossians 2:18). 1

Let us become true worshippers, those who tend to the needs of the orphans and widows, who care for and look after our brothers and sisters in need.

Here’s the home page for serving.

https://daverphillips.com/serving-the-least-the-lost-and-the-lonely/

 

1Guthrie, George H.. NIVAC Bundle 8: General Epistles, Revelation (The NIV Application Commentary). Zondervan. Kindle Edition.

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