Social Justice

What are the biblical implications of social justice?

Jeremiah 7: 5 -7; Isaiah 61:1; Luke 4:17 -21; Matthew 11: 1 -6; Luke 14: 1-24; Romans 15:26; 2 Corinthians 9: 6 -15; Galatians 2:10; James 2:1-

Looking at Scripture, God tells us to remember the poor, the afflicted, the lame, and others in need.  He continues to tell us to give and help them in their needs in and through the power of His love.  Above all, we are to share the Gospel with them. The Bible gives numerous examples of individuals giving and helping those in need.  The second greatest commandment the Lord gives is to “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”  It is important to remember God’s command of this does not mean when we feel like it or are “move” by emotions, but we are to live a lifestyle of loving our neighbors as ourselves.  Our neighbor includes those you are in need, poor, afflicted, and others.

How can you incorporate social justice into a college ministry?

First, I think it is important to understand social justice as something that is not solved in a one time trip on missions or inner city feeding of the homeless.  Social justice is more for a Christian. You can educate your students on the issues around social justice and how a Christian perspective and approach to social justice differs than a secular one.  The difference is the motivation of sharing Christ with them, to help them in the name of Christ, and to give not from us, but from God. Furthermore, social justice is not a time about self-glorification, but elevating the glory of God.

After some educating, have students search Scripture on God’s view of social justice and how He said we are to respond.  Then provide students with opportunities to act upon and help in areas of social justice.  Let the students plan, organize, and collect everything they need to assist in the local community, in State missions, or internationally.   Such opportunities also open the door for students to invite other collegiates to help out who are not Christians.  Christian students can use these times to witnesses to non-believers by showing a different motive for helping in social justice, Jesus Christ.

How does this information impact your understanding of past experiences?

The information discuss in class help me look at how easy in past experiences it is to lose the focus on Christ when helping and to become self-glorified motivated.  It also help me to plan how to keep the focus on Christ and not the organization or any individual, but to elevate the glory of the Lord.