The fallow ground of the poor would yield much food,
but it is swept away through injustice. Prov13.23 ESV
Jesus said, “The poor will be with you always.” One of the reasons for this is injustice. Now, we may not be able to affect much change for social justice in China, but we can work effectively for it in our community and certainly see to it in our treatment of the person in front of us. A kind word of encouragement can give riches to the woman behind that register with a long line of irate and impatient customers. The gift of a lawn mower may improve the quality of life for an inner city teen. To work for social justice is to do what is right for another when it is in your power to do so. Of course to do this we need wisdom to guide our expressions. Sometimes the very best way to do right by a person is not to give materially to them at all but to refrain from such giving. No good minded person would offer to help a diabetic by serving them a sugar rich diet. And giving welfare to one who will not work is not helping them at all. Of course we are inclined to credit laziness to the poverty of our neighbor. But poverty can be far more than a lack of money and we should give whatever is needed to help our neighbor, perhaps, our friendship. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you. 8/13/2008 ts
Just me trying to be honest with God.
