Won’t you be my neighbor?

Every day on our calendar is the “day of” something. Some are silly or trivial, like National Donut Day, and others are more profound. Today, February 20th, is the World Day of Social Justice. I had the privilege recently of speaking to a group of women at a church conference on the topic of social justice, from both Biblical and secular perspectives. While there are some differences in the motivations various groups have for pursuing social justice and differences in the way they carry it out, I must say this: if you’re using your political persuasion or religion to avoid seeking the equitable treatment of others you’re doing it all wrong. Jesus not only taught that we are to love our neighbor – remember the good Samaritan? – but he also told us that when we see those who are hungry, thirsty, sojourners, or imprisoned and don’t do anything for them it’s as if we are neglecting God himself.

“For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved.”

Rich Stearns’ paraphrase of Matthew 25:42-45 from his book, The Hole in Our Gospel

So today, to honor the World Day of Social Justice, look for ways that you can work to promote equal treatment for all of humanity:

• Sponsor a child or donate to World Vision. If you know me, you know how close to my heart this organization and these children are. ​http://bit.ly/sponsorforchange
• Support the work of the Equal Justice Initiative. To see why this organization deserves your support, read Bryan Stevenson’s incredible book Just Mercy. (https://eji.org/bryan-stevenson)
• Find a homeless shelter or Rescue Mission in your area and make a donation – even just a package of brand new warm socks will be appreciated.
• And most importantly, when you see or hear about someone in need, start by assuming it’s not their fault. Listen to and learn from people who are different from you.

Surely you can think of more ways to love your neighbor and promote social justice. Feel free to add your suggestions to the comments below.

(The Good Samaritan passage can be found in Luke 10:25-37)