5 Minute Read + Scripture readings
Today’s Bible Reading:
Today’s Bible Verse(s):
“Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.”
Proverbs 31:8-9 (CSB)
Reflections on Today’s Bible Verse(s):
Our God is a God of compassion. As a God who cares for His creation, it only makes sense that He has commanded us to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:35-40).
What does it look like to love others as we love ourselves?
- If we would move to protect ourselves when we are in a dangerous situation, then we should be willing to protect others who are in danger.
- If we would expect that others treat us with fairness, then we should treat others with fairness.
- If we would put food in our body when we are hungry, then we should be willing to feed others when they are hungry.
The two greatest commands could be interpreted this way: 1) love God with everything you’ve got and 2) take care of others who need someone to step in and help.
That’s what we see in our verses for today. There will always be people who are marginalized. Their voice isn’t heard. They are overlooked and often have no way of getting out of their destitute position in life.
What must a Jesus-follower do?
Proverbs 31:8-9 (CSB): “Speak up for those who have no voice, for the justice of all who are dispossessed. Speak up, judge righteously, and defend the cause of the oppressed and needy.”
Psalm 82:3 (CSB): “Provide justice for the needy and the fatherless; uphold the rights of the oppressed and the destitute.”
Isaiah 1:17 (CSB): “Learn to do what is good. Pursue justice. Correct the oppressor. Defend the rights of the fatherless. Plead the widow’s cause.”
James 1:27 (CSB): “Pure and undefiled religion before God the Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained from the world.”
In our broken world, people are hurting. Consider how you can leverage your money to help those who are legitimately in need. Consider how you can use your time and skills to give a hand-up rather than a hand-out.
Doing so will demonstrate the love that God has for us and the love He has called us to have for each other.
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Lord Jesus, there is no shortage of people who only think of themselves. I refuse to be one of them. Help me to understand even more clearly just how much You love me and have graciously provided for me. Out of that knowledge, I desire to demonstrate a tangible, service-oriented love for others, especially those that are in need. Amen.
Matt’s Musings 