Creative Space for Wanderers
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? One of …
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. How can anyone be still after hearing that God is so concerned for the needy? Can we just read this …
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’s words are strong and powerful. …
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 …
Continue reading “Serving those in Need: Holy Responsibility”
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, …
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 …
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 …
The NIV translation of Romans 12:13 is quite appealing: Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. 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 …
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. However, like many things Jesus said when referring to what we call Old …
Continue reading “The Poor Will Always Be With You: Be Openhanded”
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 …