Faith in Action
Christians are called to put their faith to work
Christ’s compassion for the poor and needy is the example which underpins everything that Rope does. Rope is committed to working with Christian partners around the world to demonstrate the love of Christ to those of any faith or none. We believe that practical help should never be used to force people to believe, however we have also seen that real love demonstrated in the name of Christ can be a significant factor in helping towards faith in him.
The Bible is clear that God has a deep concern for the poor and needy and expects us to be involved in sharing his love with those in need. Below are ten examples from the Old and New Testaments, although there are many others, to help us understand why Christians should be involved in helping the poor.
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“There will always be poor people in the land. Therefore I command you to be open handed toward your brothers and toward the poor and needy in your land.” Deut 15:11
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“Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless; maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Rescue the weak and needy.” Psalm 82:3&4
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“I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.” Psalm 140:12
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“He who is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward him for what he has done.” Proverbs 19:17
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“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." Proverbs 31:9
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Jesus said: “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” Matthew 25:35-36
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"One of them, named Agabus, stood up and through the Spirit predicted that a severe famine would spread over the entire Roman world. (This happened during the reign of Claudius.) The disciples, each according to his ability, decided to provide help for the brothers living in Judea.” Acts 11:28-29
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The apostle Paul wrote: “All they asked was that we should continue to remember the poor, the very thing I was eager to do.” Galatians 2:10
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The apostle James wrote “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27
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"Love your neighbour as your self." Leviticus 19:18, Luke 10:27, James 2:8
These are just a few of the many verses throughout the Bible which encourage Christians to be involved with the poor, needy and vulnerable.
