Our Response to Poverty and Injustice

This morning on The 700 Club, Gordon interviewed American Bible Society President Lamar Vest. (The interview is embedded below). Vest discusses a new project ABS has partnered with World Vision to produce, called “The Poverty and Justice Bible”. The idea behind this Bible is to highlight every verse that deals poverty and justice. Scholars combed through the scriptures and found that there are almost 2,100 verses dealing with those issues—almost 10 percent of the Bible.

It's easy, especially in tumultuous economic times, to become focused on what God promises to us as individuals. But to see the huge emphasis the Bible places on living outwardly—serving those in need, and those suffering from injustice—is both inspiring and challenging.

In the interview, Gordon mentions how this idea relates to ideas found in the book of James. There are a few verses that stuck out to me in James as well: James 2:14-18: What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don't show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, "Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well"—but then you don't give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do?

So you see, faith by itself isn't enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

As we approach the holidays—particularly in a year when many families are in need—this should be a challenge to us as Christians to do what James encourages, and put our faith into action. Seek out those that have need; come beside to those who have been unjustly treated by others; pray that God gives you opportunities to give of yourself and share his love.

This is more than just an act of obedience; it’s an act of love and an expression of faith in a God who cares deeply for the poor and the victims of injustice.

James 2:26 Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works.