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As a whole, without the social justice platform alive in our churches or as an individual members agenda, then we are denying our world of their birthright. Many scriptures tell us not to judge others, let God and the Angels do that, and let us become the instrument of peace for our world. We who are esoteric believers work towards our own enlightenment of the Christ nature in our life. We need to also recognize that same capacity for spiritual realization in others. That is our role to use our growth and understanding in the mercy of Christ. Our life and actions should reflect compassion and mercy to those in need of justice.

One issue comes up a lot within those who actively serve in social justice capacities. The compassion to look at those who are dirty, sinful, not able to take care of themselves, is not to judge them. Judging those who are hurting does not help the person nor does it reflect the love the Jesus asked us to become.

Matt. 13:47-52 frees us from having to judge, as that is the role for the Angels.“49So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just.”We are free to just show God’s mercy and love to those in need. Our role is to equip those in need with the tools and resources they need. Matt. 15:17-20“18But those things which proceed out of the mouth come forth from the heart; and they defile the man. 19For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies.”Mark 7:15“15There is nothing from without a man, that entering into him can defile him: but the things which come out of him, those are they that defile the man.”

2 Cor. 2:5-11 asks us to forgive others. It goes on to say in verses 5-10 to forgive and love. In verse 7 it says,“7So that contrariwise ye ought rather to forgive him, and comfort him, lest perhaps such a one should be swallowed up with overmuch sorrow.”I think this example of someone in the Church who hurt the faith, was told to be forgiven. So as that person not to become discouraged and find their way back to Christ. That is our role when we minister is to encourage and help those back into the reality of the Christ message.

Gal. 6:1, 2, 10 also says to do good to all.“1Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted. 2Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ. 10As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.”Even though that verse ends with us to look at our own Christian brothers and sisters, let us not forget that before that line is says to do good to everyone. Everyone is the message.

As well another great lesson to learn in ministering to others in social justice is not to hurt their re-entry back into the church. 2 Cor. 2:5-11 is a good verse. 2 Timothy 2:23-26 and James 2:12-13 speaks as to not speaking ill of others. As well James 4:11-12 speaks in the same manner. 1 Peter 2-3 asks us to stop our malicious and deceitful and backstabbing ways. We can’t afford to speak ill of those trying to grow in the knowledge of Christ. Their past is their past, not ours to speak about to others. We must show some compassion and confidentiality when we minister to those in needs. As well Gal. 5:15 helps us to understand that harsh criticism can destroy rather than help.

In relation to forgiveness we should look up Matt. 6:14-15; Matt. 18:21-35; Col. 3:13.

I think our prayer can be summed up in I Cor. 14:12 as it says…“Since you are so eager to have spiritual gifts, ask God for those what will be of real help to the whole church.”Our basic theme should become part of the Body of Christ so our visible action helps the mission of the Church.

In the past we had all those great speakers of social justice, from our own saints and church leaders to modern day persons like Martin Luther King, Gandhi and others. But who is speaking up today? Who is moving society to social justice awareness? Is that not our role as Christians? If we begin to share with others what Christ has made known to us, then we begin to see changes around us. Let us become those instruments of peace that God had intended and showed us through his word and sacraments.

Presently we see many states legislating the role of faith-based programs to help those in need. Recently we have seen the states begin to look at faith-based communities to help prisoners learn to positively reenter society. It has even been asked of these communities to reach into their own local area to meet the basic needs of others. Ranging from medical clinics for those without insurance, to providing educational tutoring or even mentoring for those re-entering the workforce. Some churches even help those facing bankruptcy in finding the appropriate way to budget their money. The role of the church is to find creative ways to help improve all the lives of those within the surrounding of the church buildings. After all how are those we minister too going to see the true essence of God’s mercy if we don’t first take action? It is not our words that change people, but rather our action in meeting their most basic needs. As we become the instrument of God’s social justice. This is part of the way our esoteric churches can be seen as an instrument of God when we apply social justice programs to reach out into our own respective communities.