100 Days of HopeSample

Caring For The Oppressed

In a culture centered on success, it’s easy to do good based on what we can get out of it. But the prophet says otherwise: “Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”

Who defends orphans and widows? Men and woman who cannot expect any rewards or repayment. Who upholds the oppressed? Those who recognize they can’t gain from helping “…the least of these…” (Matt 25:40).

As followers of Jesus, we are called to care about what He cares about. While we are saved by faith, not by actions, our actions declare our allegiance. Do our lives reflect the incredible love of Jesus Christ? Or are they primarily centered on us?

Let’s take the challenge of the prophet. Let’s ask how we can “learn to do right.” It’s not intuitive. In fact, it’s countercultural. But He invites us to ask—he desires to teach us how to have His heart.

Prayer: Father, thank you for caring for “the least of these.” Teach us to have your heart. Help us to defend the orphan and the widow. Make us people of actions, not just words. Thank you for loving us.