Justice, mercy, kindness
Read the following biblical passages to get some ideas as to how God wants us to respond to others’ needs: Psalm 33:4-5; Psalm 89:14; Psalm 146:5-10; Proverbs 21:3; Amos 5:24; and Micah 6:8. What common themes do you find?
Works of justice, works of mercy
Loving our neighbour means more than providing direct help. Our love may also mean trying to change the circumstances that keep our neighbour in need. Working for justice can take on many forms. Look also for little thing that you can incorporate into your life to bring about change. Think of some ways that you could work for justice through acts of mercy.
Reconciliation
Paul said, “So if anyone is in Christ, there is a new creation: everything old has passed away; see, everything has become new! All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation; that is in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting the message of reconciliation to us So we are ambassadors for Christ…” 2 Corinthians 5:17-20). For some of us, this ambassadorship may mean sharing the good news about Jesus with other people. For others it may mean seeing yourself as a peacemaker who, because you kow Jesus, seeks to bring people together in harmony whenever possible. Reread Paul’s words above and think about how you might participate in acts of reconciliation.
Put into practice
- Make a list of people in your church or community who are active in works of justice, mercy , or reconciliation. How could they help you get started?
- Thoroughly read the newspaper at least one day this week. Is there any situation where people are hurting about which you might be able to do something? Write letters to governmental representatives, donate money or other necessary items, educate yourself so you can help others understand why people need help, or join a group that is working on the issue; be creative in finding ways to give of yourself.
- Commit to being a peacemaker this week.
- Visit kairoscanada.org and www.ploughshares.ca and learn about justice work going on in Canada.