At Northeast, we desire for everyone to live the Love the 'Ville Lifestyle in their Church, Home, City and Workplace. Here's an excerpt from Love the 'Ville in the City!
Day Three – In the City (pt. 1)
Start by praying
this:
Gracious God,
bring a hunger for change in our city that fuels me to act justly, love mercy
and walk humbly with you. In the name of Jesus, Amen!
Now read Jesus’ teaching slowly:
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see
you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When
did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe
you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King
will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these
brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” – Matthew 25:37-40
NIV
Scripture
is clear. Jesus commands His followers to take care of the marginalized,
oppressed, and “least of these.” He identifies with those in need and makes
clear that as we serve them, we serve Him. In the Old Testament we see God’s
concern for the vulnerable as well. God tells the people to not harvest all of
their crops, so that there might be some leftover for those who could not
afford food (Lev. 19:9-10 NIV). God does not desire showy and
loud acts of repentance, but “to loose the bonds of injustice… to let the
oppressed go free.. to share your bread with the hungry, and bring the homeless
poor into your house” (Isa. 58:6-7 NIV).
As you consider how you may
care for the poor and marginalized in our city, I’d like to walk you through
Micah 6:8. This verse serves as an outline in my “Love the ‘Ville Playbook” to help
me discern how I can best unleash the love of Jesus among the poor and
marginalized.
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does
the Lord require
of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk
humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8 NIV
What does Micah 6:8 reveal about God’s desire
for you and I?
Micah 6:8 shows us what it
looks like to turn faith into action. God gives me the gift of salvation by
grace. This verse describes what it looks like to respond to God’s grace in
worship and gratitude – do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly
with God.
I believe the most difficult
part of this verse to comprehend is “to do justice.” My understanding of justice continues to grow every day. Biblical references
to the word “justice” mean “to make right.” Justice is, first
and foremost, a relational term — people living in right relationship with God,
one another, and the natural creation. One
of my favorite definitions of justice is from the Lupton Center - “to
create a world where all people have equal opportunity to fully develop the
gifts that God has placed within them.”
According to Scripture, justice
isn’t simply about giving just punishment to those who deserve it, it’s also
about giving just treatment to those who have been denied it. We have a responsibility to feed the hungry, clothe the naked
and visit the prisoner.
What does “doing justice” look
like for you and I?
Meeting immediate needs are important but
doing justice is more than that, it is also developmental. This means that we go
beyond meeting immediate needs and we help people help themselves. I don’t just
give others a fish, but I teach them how to fish.
Doing justice means I create environments
where people can know God and achieve their full potential. I must remember that the poor have enormous untapped potential. It’s
my job to find it, be inspired by it, and build upon it.
This means I may have to disrupt unjust laws,
systems, and societal structures. This means I may need to become an advocate. Justice
may mean closing the achievement gap in our local schools, ensuring affordable
housing, taking in a foster child, or employing someone coming out of prison.
Questions for reflection:
-
How
does this definition of justice - “to make right” - challenge you to Love the
‘Ville differently?
-
How
are you “doing justice?”
-
Do
the ways you serve and the causes you support meet immediate needs only or do
they also promote development?
-
Do
you have any relationships with people who are marginalized, oppressed, or
underprivileged? What are their names?
-
How
are you allowing them to teach you and add value to your life?
-
How
can you step outside your comfort zone to engage “doing justice?”
What does “loving mercy” look
like for you and I?
God desires for us to “love
mercy,” or, in some translations, kindness. This is the Hebrew
word hesed, which can be used to refer to God’s loving
kindness. God wants us to be in love with mercy—to have compassion for those in
need.
What is “walking humbly
with God” look like for you and I?
To “walk humbly with God” is
the basis for the previous two – “loving mercy” and “doing justice.”
Cultivating our walk with God is of utmost importance as it provides the power
and passion for us to fully engage. The adverb “humbly” moves us away from arrogance. It reminds us
that we are not the Savior of ourselves or others, Jesus is! It reminds us that
we all experience poverty in some fashion. It reminds us that we all need God
and each other to discover grace and unleash our potential.
Complete this activity
to make sure you are intentionally Loving the ‘Ville in our city!
1. Scripture
commands us to do justice and love the least. What person, pressing need,
cause, organization, demographic, or neighborhood do you sense God is calling
you to serve? What breaks your heart? What gets you passionate? What makes you
feel righteous anger that this should not be so? Make a list of these in the
section of your playbook dedicated to “the City.”
2. Write
down what actions you are taking (or will take) to “do justice” in these areas
you have listed.
3. Write
down your financial commitment to our church or to justice efforts in this
city. Think of a couple small and big ways you can tighten up your budget to be
more generous with those in need.
4. If
you’re only just beginning this journey and unsure what to do next, contact our
Outreach Team! We can help you find a partner or place to serve in the city. Go
to lovetheVille.org. Give to our outreach efforts at necchurch.org/give.
Or contact me and I would be glad to help – Tomara.Brown@necchurch.org.
5. Do you struggle sometime with wanting to be the “Savior?” Can you
ask God now to help you walk in humility?
Tomara Brown is the Local Outreach Pastor at Northeast.
Reach out to her or any of our team if you have questions on your playbook –
Tomara.Brown@necchurch.org! We’re here to help!
