Why is taking care of the poor and oppressed an important religious value?

God loves people no matter who they are

The Rev. Leo Barbee, pastor, Victory Bible Church, 1942 Mass:

If one would search the Scriptures, he or she would see first and foremost God was always concerned about the poor, the orphan, the widow, the afflicted, the naked, the hungry, the homeless and other disenfranchised people.

In Isaiah, it is said that what God desires first is for you to divide your bread with the hungry and to bring the homeless and poor into the house; when you see the naked, to clothe him (Isaiah 58:5-12).

There are many passages like this in the Bible, challenging believers to demonstrate a practical concern for those less fortunate. In fact, it has been the Christian community, down through the ages, that has led the way. The hospital, the shelter, compassionate ministries like the Salvation Army and many others all grew out of concern — a practical concern to minister to the poor, the oppressed, the homeless and the naked.

If we do not demonstrate care and concern for those caught up in these depressing conditions, we are truly living in violation of our lord’s command.

When the lord judges the nations and separates the sheep from the goats, the difference will be how they treated the less fortunate. He says to those on the right side: “I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you invited me in; naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came to me,” (Matthew 25:31-46).

That’s why it’s important for the religious community to show practical love to the hurting. It’s part of our way of life. It’s a way of demonstrating that God really loves people no matter who they are, where they are or what condition they are facing. His love is demonstrated through us.

Send e-mail to the Rev. Leo Barbee at maura@sunflower.com.

God wants us to follow example

The Rev. Randy Beeman, senior pastor, First Christian Church, 1000 Ky.:

As a person of God I am compelled do what God would do toward the poor and oppressed.

The word “poor” in the Old Testament denotes one who is wrongfully impoverished or dispossessed. God’s actions in history show us that God intervened to liberate the poor and oppressed. When God called Moses at the burning bush, God’s intent was to end suffering and injustice: “I have seen the affliction of my people who are in Egypt, and have heard their cry because of their taskmasters.”

At the Exodus, God acted to end economic oppression and bring freedom to slaves. When the people of God settled in the Promised Land, the Israelites discovered that when they were oppressed, it led to their freedom. But when they became the oppressors, it led to their destruction.

Since God cares so much for the poor and oppressed, it is hardly surprising that God wants his people to do the same. Jesus warned the people about the scribes “who devour widows’ houses and for a pretense make long prayers.” Their lives were a sham, and Jesus wanted people to follow him who were genuinely concerned about the poor. Jesus directed us when he said, “When you have done it unto the least of these my brothers, you have done it unto me.”

The biblical vision of the kingdom of God suggests the kind of social order God wills. The church is supposed to be a model now of what the final kingdom of perfect justice and peace will be like. Christians, therefore, should exercise influence to implement change in society at large. Much of our problem today lies in the fact that Christian leaders call on the government to legislate what we can’t persuade society, as well as church members, to live.

People of God must address the issues of the poor, we must seek justice when there is oppression in systems and public policy. God wills an end to poverty and injustice, and that’s why we need to take action and do.

Send e-mail to the Rev. Randy Beeman at rbeeman@sunflower.com.