Living Justice and Compassion

Exodus 21-22; Psalms 12; Acts 4

“’Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt. Do not take advantage of a widow or an orphan. If you do and they cry out to me, I will certainly hear their cry. My anger will be aroused, and I will kill you with the sword;…’”

Exodus 22:21-24

“’Because of the oppression of the weak and the groaning of the needy, I will now arise,’ says the Lord. ‘I will protect them from those who malign them.’”

Psalm 12:5

“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.”

Acts 4:32

How we treat the weakest members in society and in our faith community is an indication of how well we know God. God’s ears are open to the cries of widows and orphans. If our ears are open, God will speak to us about them. God’s heart is to protect those who are weak, needy, and oppressed. Those who live in covenant with God and are filled with his Spirit are the hands and feet of God on earth. As we live in unity with each other and with the Lord, his generous heart is expressed through us, his people. We are the Body of Christ, the Church, representing God’s kingdom values and mission on earth. The Gospel is Good News for the poor and freedom for the oppressed. Our mission is to live this Good News.

Does this describe how we are living?

“Lord God, you are merciful and just. Live and love through me, for your glory.”