Eyes to SeeSample

The idea that the Church should be on the frontlines of ministry to people in need is not new, but there has always been tension between the good news and good works. We can see this tension even in the first century as James asks, “What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save them?” (James 2:14)

In North America, this tension was heightened in the nineteenth century with the rise of the Social Gospel movement. This movement promoted humanitarian efforts as bringing about God’s Kingdom and tied salvation to good works rather than the true change of heart that is at the core of salvation. But as so often happens when a group swings too far in one direction, as a response, another group swings too far in the opposite direction. To reject a false gospel of good works and to distance themselves from liberal theology, many Christians in North America swung away from ministry to those in most need, instead focusing on evangelism.

The focus of many churches shifted away from corporately supporting ministries of mercy. Instead, they emphasized evangelism and individual conversion, and sanctification. They backed away from the activities the Church had always been involved in, such as ministries to provide things like food, education, and health care to the neediest in their communities.

But the Holy Spirit is always at work. The Church has been awakening to the truth that we don’t have to choose between faith and deeds. Indeed, the Great Commission and the Great Commandment go hand-in-hand. Jesus revealed His Great Commission to the Church in Matthew 28:19-20: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” The second part of the commission is to “teach them to obey everything I commanded you.” So, what are the commandments Jesus taught? To love God and love neighbour (Matthew 22:37-39).

In the famous parable of the Good Samaritan, Jesus tells of a Jewish man who is robbed, beaten, and left for dead. Although others chose to pass him by, a Samaritan—a people group hated by the Jews—chose to stop and care for the man's needs. That’s what it means to love your neighbour—to care for the needs of the people we encounter, even across religious and cultural lines. And, as we have already seen, because the root causes of poverty are spiritual and only Jesus can bring true healing to a person, it is the Church who can respond to the deepest needs of those living in poverty. As we follow Christ and grow deeper in His love, that same love will overflow from us to others.

Reflect:

• Between the good news and good works, to which side do you sometimes tend to lean?
• If people living in poverty looked at your church, where might they see the love of Jesus being offered to their needs?

Pray:

Lord, as humans, it’s easy for us to lean too far in one direction or the other. Would You please use Your Holy Spirit to guide us? Help us to embrace both Your Great Commission and obey Your Greatest Commandments. Amen.