0.5 Sj5

Chapter 5

Commend and empower

Matt. 9:37 says that we as believers need to send out workers in the harvest.

Matt. 22:37-40 tells us to love our neighbors as ourselves. If we do not look at those we meet and run across in our normal daily life, as children of God as well, then we are not being effective as we could be.

Luke 4:18-19 encourages us to proclaim the message of Christ to all.

“18The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised.”

1 Cor. 10:23-24 says we should not seek our own good but that of others first.

“Don’t think only of your own good. Think of other Christians and what is best for them.”

I think when we realize the Christ nature in all beings as we minister, that is what we are doing, thinking of their good in the ministry of Christ and not just our own good.

Phil. 2:4 also tell us to think of others first.

“”Don’t think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing.”

God opens the doors for us; we don’t have to, as stated in Col. 4:2-3

“Devote yourself to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. Don’t forget to pray for us too, that God will give us many opportunities to preach about his secret plan…that Christ is also for you Gentiles.”

2 Thes. 3:6-14 encourages us to not be idle.

“And now, dear brothers and sisters, we give you this command with the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ: Stay away from any Christian who lives in idleness and doesn’t’ follow the tradition of hard work we gave you. For you know that you ought to follow our examples.”

Titus 3:1-8 doing what is good again encourages us to use our life as a ministry.

Verse 8: “These things I have told you are all true. I want you to insist on them so that everyone trusts in God will be careful to do good deeds all the time. These things are good and beneficial for everyone.”

Heb. 10:22-24 helps us to know we can spur others to do good. When we offer our self as volunteers in any social justice programs we can spur others on to do good. After all, our role as His children is to spread the good news.

Growing up in Tulsa, Oklahoma I saw some buildings in Sand Springs that were set aside for widows and orphans. I knew they were faith-based programs but did not understand their rich history. James 1:27 say we should look after orphans and widows.

James 2:17-18 tells us that faith without deeds are dead. Again we need to see that He who has called us, separated us away from the world, should be the light unto a dark nation. It is our glorious opportunity to do the work of the Lord when we involve ourselves with social justice. Also in James 2:1-9 tell us not to discriminate against the poor.

Col. 3:12-17 tells us that we will be clothed in compassion. I know personally when one really gets in tune with the inner being of Christ, we truly know compassion. We weep when we see others that live their lives separated from God, as we know all they need is to seek him and he will meet their needs. I have wept so much when I have seen or heard of social injustices. Compassion is a great and wonderful gift God has given us.